भारत में गैंम चेंजर साबित होते स्वास्थ्य विनियम

by cv | May 6, 2023 | AFF

भारत में गैंम चेंजर साबित होते स्वास्थ्य विनियम

भारत में विगत वर्षों में कुछ स्वास्थ्य विनियम पारित किए हैं जो सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य के दृष्टिकोण से गैम चेंजर होने चाहिए। उदाहरण के लिए स्कूल मे फूड फोर्टिफिकेशन और ट्रांस फैट्स प्रतिबंधों के अलावा सुरक्षित भोजन और बच्चों के लिए संतुलित आहार और खाद्य सुरक्षा और मानक (लेबलिंग और प्रदर्शन) विनियम प्रमुख हैं। ये सभी संभवत: भारत और विश्व स्तर पर देखी जाने वाली एनसीडी की उच्च प्रसार की इस अवधि में गैम चेंजर बन सकते हैं।

भारत में अधिक वजन, मोटापे और आहार से संबंधित गैर-संचारी रोगों जैसे मधुमेह, उच्च रक्तचाप और दिल के रोग की बढ़ती चिंता, उपभोक्ताओं के लिए यह तय करना महत्वपूर्ण हो जाता है कि वे क्या खाएं और क्या नहीं खाएं।

वर्ष 2020 की एक नवीनतम आईसीएमआर सर्वेक्षण रिपोर्ट में बताया गया है कि चार में से एक भारतीय अधिक वजन/मोटापे से ग्रस्त हैं। एक सर्वे के अनुसार, शहरी क्षेत्रों में रहने वाले करीब 43 प्रतिशत भारतीय और ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में करीब 18 प्रतिशत भारतीय अधिक वजन के हैं।

रा ष्ट्रीय परिवार स्वास्थ्य सर्वेक्षण-5 के अनुसार, लगभग 29 प्रतिशत भारतीयों ने अपना रक्तचाप बढ़ाया है। इसी तरह लगभग 17 प्रतिशत पुरूष वयस्क आबादी और लगभग 15 प्रतिशत वयस्क् महिला मधुमेह से ग्रस्त हैं। यह संख्या बहुत ज्यादा हैऔर इसे नियंत्रित करने की आवश्यकता है। यह महत्वपूर्ण है कि उच्च नमक, चीनी और वसा (एचएसएसएफ) के संदर्भ में क्या खा रहे हैं। यह फ्रंट ऑफ पैक वॉर्निंग लेबल के लिए एक चुनौती है। एक नजर में उपभोक्ताओं को पता चला जाएगा कि क्या खरीदना या क्या नहीं खाना है।

भारतीय खाने में पैकेज्ड खाद्य पदार्थ और फास्ट फूड शामिल है जो कि अधिक प्रसंकृत और अति-प्रसंस्कृत खाद्य पदार्थ हैं। आपकी जानकारी के लिए बता दें कि ये खाद्य उत्पाद्र, नमक, चीनी या वसा की उच्च मात्रा के अलावा प्रसंस्कृत कार्बोहाइ ड्रेट और उच्च रसायनों से युक्त होते हैं और इनमें फाइबर आहार और प्रोटीन की कमी होती है। ये आहार एक तरफ तो अधिक वजन और मोटापे की ओर ले जाते हैं और दूसरी ओर कुपोषण की तरफ धकेलते हैं।

उपभोक्ताओं की जानकारी के लिए बता दें कि पैक चेतावनी में आमतौर पर समझने में आसानी के लिए रंग और प्रतीक चिन्ह होते हैं। हम भारतीय, नमक, चीनी और संतृप्त वसा की दोगुनी मात्रा का सेवन करते हैं, फिर डब्ल्यूएचओ द्वारा निर्धारित क्या है।

शाकाहारी और मांसाहारी भोजन को दर्शाने वाले एफएसएसएआई के हरे और लाल निशान का उदाहरण लें और उपभोक्ताओं को सूचित करने में सफल रहे हैं। आज उपभोक्ताओं को जानने की आवश्यकता है कि एफएसएसएआई ने हाल ही में भोजन में फोर्टिफिकेशन (+एफ लोगो) को चिहिन्त करने और जैविक खाद्य (जैविक भारत लोगो के रूप में एक हरे रंग की टिक मार्क) से संबंधित कानून बनाए हैं।

एफओपीएल लेबल का आधार हैजो प्रतीक आधारित लोगो का सुझाव भी देता है, उपभोक्ताओं द्वारा आसानी से पहचानने योग्य और हानिकारक के रूप में पहचाना जा सकता है। कोई गणना या सोच शामिल नहीं है।

विश्व स्तर पर कई देशों ने पहले ही एफओपीएल लेबलिंग प्रणाली को लागू कर दिया है और अध्ययनों से साबित हो गया है कि वे एचएसएसएफ खाद्य पदार्थों की खपत को कम करने में प्रभावी है। भारत अभी एफएसएसएआई उद्योगों और सिविल सोसाइटी परामर्श प्रक्रिया में है जिसमें कंस्यूमर वॉयस भी एक भागीदार है।

Workshop in Delhi-NCR on Food Labeling

by admin | Dec 31, 2022 | Food Labels

Workshop in Delhi-NCR on Food Labeling

An exhaustive presentation on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was shown to the participant’s. Through this presentation students were briefed on the harmful effects of salt, sugar and fats .Our expert speaker also briefed the students that why reading labels correctly is important for them.

Unhealthy packaged foods are risking the lives of many Indians including teens and children’s as more and more people are falling prey to High BP, diabetes or obesity. Consumption of packaged foods is now almost a part and parcel of life and therefore reading labels is very crucial so that consumers can make an informed choice.

Teachers also spoke about NCDs and why we should cut down on unhealthy foods and stressed that the best way to do so is to read the labels properly.

The children were sensitized on the need to understand food labels and the same was demonstrated through examples of food labels on various packaged products. Information on proposed front of pack labelling was also shared.

The workshop was followed with a question-answer session where students asked some interesting questions like will it help them to reduce weight or will it help them to avoid some non-communicable diseases as they grow up.

We witnessed active participation and enthusiasm among all participants in the workshop. More than 80 students including students, teachers and staff members joined the workshop.

Food Labels: The Need and Importance!

by admin | Dec 22, 2022 | Food Labels

Food Labels: The Need and Importance!

To find the greatest deal, shoppers frequently examine the costs of foods in the grocery store. However, comparing products using the food label can help us decide which option is best for our health. One of the most useful tools available to us as consumers is the food label. For instance, there may be five different varieties of tomato soup available for someone with high blood pressure who needs to control their salt (sodium) intake. Looking at the section of the label that includes nutrition information allows one to quickly and simply compare the sodium amount of each product and select the one with the lowest sodium content.

Today, the majority of goods come with food colouring and preservatives. Kids eat cereal and sip colourful, blue, and green sports drinks. According to research, colour is bad for the body and can even have qualities that can cause cancer. Younger children consume cotton candy and lollipops, which are made entirely of sugar and colour. Reading food labels can assist in selecting the ideal quantity of natural Vitamin A and C, calcium, and iron for children while avoiding junk.

People in India frequently stray from their regular eating habits during the festival season and indulge in binge-eating and unhealthy meals that aren’t typically a part of their diet. While pampering oneself every now and then is appropriate, one must also learn to consciously stay away from things that are detrimental to their health and may result in long-term issues.

As the holiday season proceeds and the New Year gets close, we’ll all indulge in sweets and gift-exchanging. But we also need to be conscious of our wellbeing. On every packaged food item we purchase, we must double-check the packaging and expiration date. However, we also need to take a look at the delicacies’ expiration dates. Traditional milk-based confections, such as gulab jamun, rasgulla, and rasmalai, are commonly made using khoya, chhena, sugar, as well as additional ingredients including maida, flavours, and colours. Sweets, especially those containing dairy products, have a shorter shelf life and are more likely to develop bacteria. Therefore, it is essential to prepare them with cleanliness and sanitation and to consume them prior to the end of their shelf life.

Tips to Eat Healthy

In order to be healthy and have a stronger immune system, you should consume adequate fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Limit your intake of saturated and trans fats
Restrict your daily salt intake to less than five grams
Reduce your intake of free and added sugars
To assist avoid unhealthful weight gain, lower your total fat intake to less than 30% of your overall energy intake
Reduce total trans fats (found in processed foods, fast food, snack food, fried food, frozen pizza, pies, cookies, margarines, and spreads) to less than 1% of total energy intake and replace it with unsaturated fat. By doing so, you can lower your risk of developing non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers.

Food Labelling Can Help Prevent NCDs

by admin | Dec 22, 2022 | Food Labels

Food Labelling Can Help Prevent NCDs

India faces equally difficult issues with regard to food, nutrition, and health. About 5.87 million of all fatalities worldwide—or 60% of all deaths—are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including those brought on by eating disorders. The widespread availability of foods with a high caloric density and a high salt, sugar, and saturated fat content is one of the main causes of this. Packaged junk food is responsible for more deaths worldwide, and it is also a major contributor to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer.

One of the most important ways to prevent NCDs is to maintain a healthy diet. Obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and malignancies are examples of chronic non-communicable diseases that can be prevented by eating complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and animal products in moderation and limiting your intake of fats and oils. Consuming a variety of foods helps your body get the nutrients it needs, fights disease and illnesses, gives you energy for daily tasks, and generally enhances your health and well-being.

Front-of-package warning labelling is essential for encouraging healthy lifestyles because it helps customers to quickly, clearly, and effectively identify items that are rich in nutrients of concern connected to NCDs.

Workshop in Gujarat on Food Labelling

by admin | Nov 12, 2022 | Food Labels

Workshop in Gujarat on Food Labelling

The event was organised to sensitize and educate students about food safety and importance of food labels.

Students participated with enthusiasm and keen interest was shown by them in the subject matter. They were sensitized on how food labels can help them to make informed choices. The participants were also briefed on non-communicable diseases like obesity, diabetes, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Students were sensitized on how to read food labels correctly and how one should be careful while buying packaged foods. The food labels help one to identify foods which are high in calories, salt, sugar and fats.

The critical nutrients responsible for non-communicable diseases can be attributed to high consumption of salt, sugar and fats. Reading food labels correctly is crucial for making the right choice. Also as per research results reduction in consumption of High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) foods has considerably reduced NCD burden.

During the workshop, the principal of the college also spoke about the need for embracing healthy eating habits among the students. The participants found the session very helpful and also pledged to read the food labels henceforth. Teaching staff also joined the workshop and shared their views.

They were briefed on the harmful critical nutrients of salt, sugar and fats in packaged foods and how non-communicable diseases are a result of high intake of some of these nutrients.

It is therefore important to read food labels carefully to help make the right choice. The need for Front of Pack Warning Labels and possible types were also discussed through a presentation by our partner organisation.

Experts told the audience how food labels are helpful to monitor salt and sugar intakes and to make healthier choices through eating a healthy diet. Consumers can also monitor calories, saturated fats and intake of micronutrients which are helpful in avoiding deficiencies like iron and Vitamin D.

More than 70 students participated in the program which highlighted the importance of food labels. To make them understand about food labels we organised a short demo through food labelling on various food and drinks products.

Students participated with enthusiasm and asked various queries during question –answer session. These queries were addressed by the experts.

Food Labels: Look at them!

by cv | Oct 23, 2022 | Food Labels

Food Labels: Look at them!

Meera and her mother were shopping. She requested her favourite soft drink and snacks. Her mother, however, suggested that she eat something wholesome. Meera didn’t waver. She said, “Soda and chips are also nutritious. They are really good and amazing.” Her mother decided to adopt a new strategy.

Let’s examine the chips package and your preferred soft drink together, Meera, she said. Whether they are healthy for you or not may be determined. When Meera studied the food label, she was shocked to learn that the chips had almost little nutritional value and the soft drink was heavy in sugar. “I will stick to nutritious eating from now on,” she promised her mum.

This is a case in many households. The things that you find tasty and addictive are not always good for you. You always want to choose the best for your family and yourself. How can you avoid being duped by advertisements and choose healthy options? Simply select the item, turn it over, and read the food label.

During the festival season, people in India often veer from their normal eating patterns and indulge in binge-eating and unhealthy foods that aren’t usually a part of their regular diet. While treating yourself once in a while is acceptable, one must also learn to intentionally avoid items that are bad for their health and can cause long-term problems.

The Need to Read Food Labels

We shall all indulge in sweets and gift-exchanging as the festive season continues and Diwali draws closer. But we also need to be aware of our health. We double-check the packaging and expiration date on every packaged food item we buy. But we also need to look at the expiration dates of sweets. Traditionally produced milk-based sweets like gulab jamun, rasgulla, and rasmalai, among others, are frequently created using khoya, chhena, sugar, as well as extra ingredients including maida, flavours, and colours. Sweets have a shorter shelf life and are more prone to microbial growth, especially those that contain dairy products. So it is crucial to prepare them with cleanliness and hygiene and to consume them before their shelf life expires.

Select a milk-based dessert like kheer, mishit doi, shrikhand, or sandesh. These treats are simple to make at home with any changes we choose and milk is a superb supply of first-rate protein.
Fresh fruits, dried fruits like dates and raisins, and natural flavourings like cinnamon and nutmeg can all be used in place of sugar.
Choose a healthy dessert from the available options.
Experiment with something novel and outlandish that includes a useful food. A few examples include dates sesame ladoo, oats dates nut ladoo, walnut ladoo, methi kheer, dudhi kheer, apple sheera, fruit kheer, papaya halwa, beetroot halwa, carrot kalakand, oats pancakes with cranberry syrup, blueberry syrup, or chocolate syrup, homemade protein bars, apple pie, pumpkin pie, fruit yoghurt.

Tips to Eat Healthy

In order to be healthy and have a stronger immune system, you should consume adequate fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Limit your intake of saturated and trans fats
Restrict your daily salt intake to less than five grams
Reduce your intake of free and added sugars
To assist avoid unhealthful weight gain, lower your total fat intake to less than 30% of your overall energy intake
Reduce total trans fats (found in processed foods, fast food, snack food, fried food, frozen pizza, pies, cookies, margarines, and spreads) to less than 1% of total energy intake and replace it with unsaturated fat. By doing so, you can lower your risk of developing non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers.

The burden of NCDs: What can you do?

India has been suffering from the catastrophic effects of an unhealthy diet, with 135 million people being obese and the number of fatalities from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) rising. Packaged junk food is responsible for more deaths worldwide, and it is also a major contributor to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer.

WHO advised healthy populations to reduce their intake of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sugar, sodium, and total calories while providing adequate intakes of carbohydrates, protein, and dietary fibre in order to prevent diet-related NCDs.

Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables will ensure that you are getting enough potassium, most micronutrients, dietary fibre, and a wide range of important non-nutrient compounds. Fruits and vegetables can take the place of diets that are heavy in saturated fats, sugar, or salt.

In order to encourage healthy lifestyles, front-of-package warning labelling is essential because it enables customers to quickly, clearly, and efficiently identify items that are high in nutrients of concern linked to NCDs.

References