New Dietary Guidelines for Indians: Emphasizing Fruits, Nuts, Seeds, Eggs, and Meat

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) have issued new dietary guidelines for Indians, emphasizing the consumption of fruits, nuts and seeds, eggs, and meat. These recommendations come from a group of 17 specialists led by Dr. Hemalatha R, Director of ICMR-NIN.

The guidelines, known as ‘My Plate for the Day,’ aim to promote a balanced diet with a focus on macronutrients and micronutrients from at least eight food groups. Vegetables, fruits, green leafy vegetables, roots, and tubers should make up half of the recommended foods per day.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl highlighted the importance of these guidelines in addressing the changing food landscape in India, where non-communicable diseases are on the rise alongside persistent issues of undernutrition. The recommendations include practical advice on food safety, choosing minimally processed foods, understanding food labels, and the significance of physical activity.

The guidelines cover a range of topics, including nutrition for different age groups, safe and clean food practices, and the importance of water intake. They also stress the avoidance of protein supplements for body mass building, limiting salt intake, moderating oil and fat consumption, promoting a healthy lifestyle to prevent obesity, and reducing ultra-processed food consumption.

ICMR notes that unhealthy diets contribute significantly to disease burden in India, with a focus on highly processed foods, reduced physical activity, and limited access to diverse foods leading to micronutrient deficiencies and overweight issues. The guidelines recommend a daily intake of 2000 kcal, with specific proportions for cereals, vegetables, fruits, pulses/eggs/flesh foods, nuts and seeds, and fats/oils.

Of note, the guidelines advise against giving sugar to infants and toddlers under the age of two due to the risk of dental issues and lack of nutritional value. Additionally, reliance on protein supplements to meet daily protein needs is discouraged.

Overall, the new dietary guidelines aim to improve the health and well-being of Indians by promoting a diverse and balanced diet, emphasizing nutrient-rich foods, and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.