What is 'n-3 PUFA-rich foods' that ICMR recommended for vegetarians to stay healthy

Hyderabad: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) have jointly issued comprehensive dietary recommendations aimed at tackling malnutrition and prevalent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases in the nation.

These guidelines advocate for healthy eating habits and lifestyles, emphasizing the importance of balanced nutrition and physical activity.

Guidance from Specialists

A diverse team of specialists, under the guidance of Dr. Hemalatha R, Director of ICMR-NIN, has developed a set of 17 comprehensive recommendations.

These guidelines reflect the evolving food landscape in India and offer practical advice on food safety, choosing minimally processed foods, understanding food labels, and promoting physical activity.

Addressing Changing Dietary Patterns

Speaking at the release event held at the ICMR headquarters, Dr. Rajiv Bahl highlighted the significant changes in Indian dietary habits over the past few decades.

He emphasized the relevance of the guidelines in addressing the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, while also acknowledging the persistence of undernutrition issues.

Dr. Bahl emphasized the importance of practicable messages and suggestions for individuals to make informed and healthy choices regarding their diet and lifestyle.

Promoting Balanced Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles

Dr. Hemalatha R, Director of ICMR-NIN, underscored the significance of the Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGIs) in providing logical, sustainable, and long-term solutions to all forms of malnutrition.

These guidelines prioritize the availability, accessibility, and affordability of nutrient-rich foods, while also advocating for the consumption of diverse foods to ensure optimal nutrition.

Key Recommendations

The guidelines stress the importance of consuming a balanced diet and adopting a healthy lifestyle to prevent obesity and other diet-related diseases.

They emphasize the need for regular exercise, reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods, and checking food labels to make informed choices.

Specific Dietary Recommendations

According to the guidelines, for a daily intake of 2000 kcal, individuals are advised to consume specific quantities of cereals, vegetables, fruits, pulses/eggs/flesh foods, nuts and seeds, and fats/oils.

The guidelines recommend sourcing macronutrients and micronutrients from a minimum of eight groups of foods, with cereals comprising no more than 45 percent of the total energy intake.

Challenges and Solutions

ICMR highlighted the challenge of poor intake of essential micronutrients among Indians due to heavy reliance on cereals, emphasizing the importance of consuming a variety of foods.

The guidelines also address specific dietary needs for vegetarians, recommending n-3 PUFA-rich foods to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients.

By advocating for balanced nutrition, healthy lifestyles, and informed dietary choices, these guidelines aim to address the complex challenges of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases, ensuring a healthier future for the nation.