First Wealth: Our Health

Posted On: 2022-09-02 16:35:32

A healthy and balanced diet is what nutrition is all about. Food and drink supply the energy and nutrients required for good health. Understanding these nutrition terms may help you make better food choices.

 

Nutrition is the foundation of good health. That is why we strive to consume as many nutrients as possible through our diet. National Nutrition Week is observed every year from September 1 to September 7. It aims to promote the importance of a well-balanced diet that contains all the nutrients that our bodies require for various functions and the maintenance of our overall health. The Food And Nutrition Board of India oversees the week-long programme.

 

 

'Celebrate a World of Flavors,' is the theme of National Nutrition Week 2022. The goal is to provide people with adequate nutrition while also allowing them to enjoy the various flavours of Indian cuisine.

 

In the long run, a healthy diet is essential for maintaining a healthy body. It can aid in the prevention of a variety of chronic diseases and improve the quality of life for people suffering from diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. However, as people get older, their dietary needs change. This is why it is critical to understand which foods suit you and provide adequate nutrition.

 

As per The Federal, a well-balanced, healthy, and nutritious diet has numerous advantages. It protects against chronic illness and leads to a happy and long life.

 

India was ranked 101st out of 116 countries in the Global Hunger Health Index, with a score of 27.5. The country is suffering from a severe hunger crisis, with many citizens suffering from malnourishment. Obesity affects a portion of the population, which is primarily due to poor lifestyle choices.

 

 

The following are the primary goals of National Nutrition Week:

• To process food intake for growth, metabolism, and repair.
• To raise awareness about the importance of proper nutrition.
• To raise awareness about the importance and role of adequate nutrition in the body.

 

As per medindia, here are some nutritional Statistics for India,

 

• According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 4 in 2015-16, the percentage of anaemic children decreased from 69.4% to 58.6%, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 4 in 2015-2016.

 

• According to NFHS 4, the percentage of children under the age of five who are underweight for their height has increased from 6.4% to 7.5%.

 

• The percentage of stunted children has decreased from 48% to 38.4%.

 

• According to the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021, India is ranked 101 out of 117 countries evaluated.

 

• According to their guidelines, India's rating on the 2021, Global Hunger Index, which measures hunger around the world, is 27.5, putting it in the serious category.

 

 

• On March 8, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the POSHAN Abhiyaan to eliminate malnutrition in India by 2022.

 

• It is assumed that 21 days of a healthy diet is sufficient to change bad habits and transform a person into a better version of themselves.

 

Importance of National Nutrition Week

People in India are unconcerned about malnourishment wreaking havoc on their lives. National Nutrition Week was established to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy diet.

 

Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have formed alliances to improve the nutrition of people living in poverty.

 

The campaign has inspired people to change their diet and live a more balanced lifestyle.

 

Nutrients are necessary for the body. The following nutrients are essential:

• Gives us the energy we need to live our lives.
• Keeps the body healthy Keeps the immune system strong
• Reduces the risk of various chronic diseases
• Increases lifespan by delaying the effects of ageing

 

Ways to Observe National Nutrition Week

• Donate a small number of food grains or crops to people in need.

 

• Connect with and support non-profit organisations.

Filaantro, a crowdfunding platform supports the goal of “Zero Hunger” and therefore, Filaantro along with Child Help Foundation has started an initiative to support this goal. Donating to the Zero Hunger campaign will help millions to sleep with a full stomach every night.

 

• Substitute nutritious vegetables, fruits, and snacks for unhealthy foods.

 

• Participate in programmes organised by the Food and Nutrition Board of India's Community Food and Nutrition Extension Units (CFNEU). During National Nutrition Week, 43 CFNEUs organise campaigns, workshops, exhibitions, and awareness drives.

 

• Participate in the various social awareness programmes offered by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

 

• Raise awareness about the importance of nutrition through posters and social media posts.

 

Malnutrition should not be viewed as a symptom of poverty with negative consequences for individuals' health and development, but as a national issue that results in lost productivity and economic backwardness. It is now time to create a moment to improve nutrition on an individual level. 

 

Thus, in the mission mode approach, a series of convergent and well-coordinated actions in various sectors are required to address this large network problem of malnutrition.

 

“To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness and maintain an interest in life.” – William Londen

 

Author: Lubdha Dhanopia