In maintaining good health, ensuring a proper intake of essential nutrients through a well-balanced diet is imperative. A proper diet not only prevents the adverse effects of nutritional deficiencies but also guards against diet-related non-communicable diseases (DR-NCDs) later in life. Recognizing that no single food can provide all necessary nutrients, a diverse and balanced diet is recommended. Such diets not only fulfil nutritional needs but also supply various bioactive substances and phytonutrients, positively impacting health.
As a beacon for health promotion and disease prevention across all age groups, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups such as infants, children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly, the ICMR-NIN recently published guidelines for Indians, with focus on recommended amounts of nutrients to be consumed through a variety of foods, aligning with traditional dietary practices. Important recommendations for adults are summarized in the Graphic.
(Source: ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition. 2024. Dietary Guidelines for Indians. [Internet] [cited 2024, May 22]. Available from: https://main.icmr.nic.in/sites/default/files/upload_documents/DGI_07th_May_2024_fin.pdf)