An International panel re-evaluated the diet plans of various countries and released the scientific targets for healthy diets varying across different countries. As per their report, Indians are required to increase their intake of proteins and decrease their consumption of potatoes. They have determined that a daily healthy diet should comprise of at least 35 per cent calories from whole grains and tubers, protein sources mostly from plants but also comprising of 14 grams meat per day and 500 grams of vegetables and fruits.
The panel further stated that if people started following this recommended diet religiously, it could help prevent almost 11 million premature deaths every year. They also said that shifting to this diet would require a 50 percent reduction in global consumption of unhealthy foods, including red meat and sugar while also doubling the consumption of healthy foods such as fruits, nuts, vegetables and legumes.
“Indians should increase protein intake from plant sources such as pulses and legumes and with fish, fowl and meat in that order as part of a non-vegetarian diet, if preferred,” said K. Srinath Reddy, a cardiologist. “The focus for India should be on improving the production, preservation, supply and consumption of fruit and vegetables while increasing the availability of plant protein sources like pulses. Reducing sugar consumption should be a universal goal.” Well, it's time to start eating healthy we say.
