National Nutritional week 2018 is finally here and its theme is 'Go Further With Food'. A study done on Micronutrient Malnutrition in India says, 'We have the highest number of malnourished people in India, and our child malnutrition rate is unacceptably high. With one-sixth of the global population residing in India, one-third of about two billion people suffering from vitamin and micronutrient deficit are in India.' The study says, 'Micronutrients are required in small quantities and responsible for vital functions of the human body. Logically, they should be addressed easily and on a priority basis.'
Here are some of the micronutrient deficiencies the country faces:
Vitamin A: 'About 330,000 child deaths are precipitated every year in India due to vitamin A deficiency.' It is required for night vision, colour vision, bone health, cell differentiation, immune function and reproductive health. Spinach, broccoli, carrots and sweet potatoes are a few foods rich in vitamin A.
Iron: Iron is extremely important for the body to function. It carries oxygen throughout the body, helps energy metabolism, enzyme-mediated chemical reactions and even helps in the development of the brain and nervous system. Legumes, tofu, raisins, spinach are a few foods rich in Iron.
Iodine: '6.6million children are born mentally impaired every year in India due to iodine deficiency, and 15 percent across India reduces intellectual capacity due to iodine deficiency.' Iodine deficiency can cause hyperthyroidism, fatigue, weight gain and even intolerance to cold. Iodized salt is the perfect source of Iodine.
Zinc: Although required in very less amounts in the body, zinc is ideal for healthy growth and sexual maturation. It also helps the immune system by protecting against cell damage. Food like cashews, beef and garbanzo beans are an ideal source of zinc.
Folic acid: This is a very important micronutrient as it helps women during their pregnancies. Foods like green leafy veggies, orange juice, vegetables and wheat germ are rich in folic acid.
It's time to help introduce micronutrients in people's diets. Stay tuned for more updates.
