The Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGIs) have been meticulously curated by a multi-disciplinary panel of scholars, presided over by Dr. Hemalatha R, Director of ICMR-NIN, and subjected to rigorous scientific scrutiny. Seventeen comprehensive directives grace its pages.

Emphasizing the discerning approach towards nutrition, the Indian Council of Medical Research advocates abstaining from protein supplements for muscle building. It proposes tempering salt consumption, moderating sugar and ultra-processed food intake, and promoting informed and health-conscious choices through meticulous label reading.

Recently, the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), headquartered in Hyderabad, released an updated edition of the ‘Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGIs),’ tailored to fulfill essential nutrient requirements and combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Drafted by a diverse team of experts under the stewardship of Dr. Hemalatha R, Director of ICMR-NIN, the DGIs have withstood rigorous scientific evaluations. They encompass seventeen nuanced directives.

Within the DGIs, the NIN underscores the potential hazards associated with prolonged consumption of excessive protein powders or high protein concentrates, including the risk of bone mineral depletion and renal impairment.

Furthermore, it advocates limiting sugar intake to less than 5% of total energy consumption. A well-rounded diet, according to the guidelines, should derive no more than 45% of its calories from cereals and millets, with up to 15% from pulses, legumes, and meat. The remaining caloric intake should comprise nuts, vegetables, fruits, and dairy. Fat intake should not exceed 30% of total energy consumption.

Acknowledging the prevalent reliance on cereals due to the scarcity and expense of pulses and meat, the guidelines highlight the resultant inadequate intake of crucial macronutrients and micronutrients. This deficiency can disrupt metabolic processes, increasing susceptibility to insulin resistance and related ailments from a young age.

Statistics indicate that a staggering 56.4% of India’s disease burden stems from unhealthy dietary habits. Encouragingly, a wholesome diet and regular physical activity hold the promise of mitigating a significant portion of coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension (HTN), and even preventing up to 80% of type 2 diabetes.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, the guidelines assert, could forestall a considerable number of premature deaths. They caution against the burgeoning consumption of heavily processed foods rich in sugars and fats, coupled with sedentary behavior and limited dietary variety, exacerbating micronutrient deficiencies and obesity.