Nourishing India: A Comprehensive guide to Healthy Eating and Nutrition
India, a vast and diverse country in South Asia, is known for its rich culture, history, and vibrant economy. With over 1.3 billion people, it’s the second-most populous nation globally. The country’s geography ranges from the Himalayas in the north to the tropical forests in the south. So one can experience a variety of tastes that provide nutrition in different ways.
Fuelling Health: Smart Eating for Modern Living
Nourishment is like giving our body the good stuff it needs to stay healthy and grow. It’s like filling up the car’s gas tank with fuel so the car can run smoothly. In this case, the fuel is food and drink that provide all the important stuff our body needs to work its best, like energy, vitamins, and minerals. Just like how our car needs the right kind of fuel to run well, similarly our body needs the right kind of nourishment to keep you feeling good and healthy.
We all know how to eat our meals, but with this urban and fast-paced lifestyle, what we lack is the knowledge and awareness of eating healthy. So, eating healthy involves inculcating these habits into our lifestyle:
- Fill Up on Plants: Eat lots of fruits and veggies—they’re filled with vitamins, minerals, and fibre to keep us healthy. One can consume them in any form: fresh, frozen, canned, or dried.
- Get Enough Protein: Protein helps to build and repair tissues and keeps our immune system strong. We can also try eating eggs, fish, chicken, or plant protein sources like lentils, beans, tofu, or paneer.
- Choose Whole Grains: Adopting whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat, millet, and quinoa is good for regulating blood sugar and keeping us satiated as they are full of fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
- Eating Healthy Fats: Healthy fats like nuts, seeds, avocados, and oils like olive or coconut are necessary for us as they promote brain and hormonal health.
- Reduce Sugar and Salt: Too much sugar and salt can cause health issues. We must be cautious of hidden sugars in processed foods and use herbs and spices instead of too much salt.
- Portion Control: Paying attention to what we eat helps in maintaining a healthy weight. Filling half of our meal plate with veggies, a quarter with protein, and a quarter with whole grains does the work well.
- Staying Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day. We must limit sugary drinks like sodas and fruit juices.
For more information on balanced diets and their importance, refer to Eat Right India.
Ancient Techniques for Nutritious and Flavourful Indian Cooking
Our ancestors were wise men who knew about all the technology and its benefits. Traditional Indian cooking techniques are made in such a way to retain the nutritional value of food while enhancing its flavour. Let’s go through the techniques and their advantages:
- Steaming: This cooking technique involves cooking food over boiling water. It is suitable for vegetables, seafood, and poultry. This technique uses no extra fat and helps preserve the food’s nutrients and flavour. Various vitamins and minerals that are lost due to frying or boiling are preserved through other cooking methods such as boiling or frying. Steamed idlis or vegetables are a great option for eating healthy.
- Sautéing: Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil, preserving the texture and nutritional value of the ingredients. Techniques like tadka (tempering) enhance the flavour and nutritional profile of dishes by adding essential spices and herbs.
- Fermenting: Fermentation involves the development of good bacteria in our food products and enhancing the bioavailability of the nutrients. Hence, fermented foods like idli, dosa, and homemade pickles are rich in probiotics, which support gut health and improve digestion.
- Grilling and Roasting: Grilling and roasting are healthy ways to cook meats, vegetables, and even some fruits, as the process requires minimal oil and helps in enhancing the natural flavours. Tandoori cooking is a traditional Indian grilling method and is an excellent way to prepare meats and vegetables without excess fat.
For a deeper dive into ancient cooking techniques and their benefits, read our blog on Ancient Indian Cooking Techniques.
Nutritional Hurdles: Addressing Well-being Across the Board
Due to the inequality of the living standards and economy of the people, not everyone has access to healthy food, clean water, and proper healthcare. Many people, mostly children, suffer from malnutrition as they don’t have access to proper food. Though India is an agricultural economy and it grows food grains in surplus, many people still don’t have enough good food to eat.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including government policies to improve nutrition and healthcare infrastructure, increase access to education and employment, empower marginalized communities, and raise public awareness about nutrition and health. Learn more about food fortification and its impact in our article on Food Fortification for Better Health.
Conclusion
By incorporating these principles into our daily eating habits, one can enjoy a nutritious and balanced diet that boosts health and well-being through Indian cuisine. Staying informed, setting realistic goals, and connecting with people regarding the same lifestyle motivates one to stay healthy. Regularly, these good changes become a part of our lifestyle and we stay healthy.
For further insights into sustainable food practices, explore Green Gastronomy: Exploring Sustainable Food Practices in India.