ICMR Study Reveals Indians' Heavy Reliance on Cereals Over Balanced Diet
Indians prefer cereals, neglect other food items: ICMR study
Image: The Times Of India
A government study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) indicates that Indians predominantly consume cereals, neglecting essential food groups like pulses, vegetables, and fruits. This trend poses health risks and may lead to increased non-communicable diseases.
- 01The average cereal consumption in many states exceeds the recommended 7.5 kg per person monthly, with rural West Bengal and Odisha leading at 11.2 kg.
- 02Urban and rural populations across India consume significantly less vegetables than the recommended 12 kg per person monthly, with Chhattisgarh showing the highest at 6.7 kg in rural areas.
- 03Pulses consumption is alarmingly low, with nearly 28 states and Union Territories reporting less than 1 kg per person monthly, indicating potential protein deficiency.
- 04The study highlights a correlation between rising income levels and increased consumption of processed foods, which may lead to a higher prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
- 05The findings are based on the 2022-23 household consumption expenditure data and published in the biannual journal of the statistics ministry.
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A recent study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reveals that Indians are heavily reliant on cereals while neglecting other vital components of a balanced diet, including pulses, vegetables, fruits, milk, and meat. The study compared food consumption patterns against the latest nutrition guidelines and found that, except for Kerala and urban areas of Punjab and Tamil Nadu, cereal consumption significantly exceeds the recommended monthly intake of 7.5 kg per person in most states. In rural areas, West Bengal, Odisha, and Tripura lead in cereal consumption, while vegetable intake remains critically low, with many states consuming less than 5 kg per month. Additionally, pulses consumption is below the prescribed levels, raising concerns about protein deficiency. The study warns that the increasing trend of dining out and consuming processed foods could lead to a rise in non-communicable diseases, adversely affecting national productivity and increasing healthcare costs.
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The study's findings indicate a potential rise in health issues due to poor dietary habits, which could strain healthcare resources and reduce workforce productivity.
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