NEW DELHI: With 56 per cent of the country’s disease burden linked to unhealthy diets, the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition has issued new dietary guidelines urging people to “rethink their plates”.
The institute said diet has emerged as a leading driver of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease across both urban and rural populations.
It noted that current food patterns are skewed towards refined cereals, fried foods, sugary drinks and ultra-processed items, while consumption of pulses, fruits, vegetables, nuts and millets remains low.
The imbalance, it said, results in excess calorie intake with low nutrient density. At the same time, anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies continue among children, adolescents and women, indicating the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition.
To address this, the guidelines outline 17 food-based recommendations, including diversifying diets, combining cereals with pulses, increasing intake of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and including moderate quantities of milk, curd, eggs and flesh foods where acceptable.
The institute emphasised that no single food can meet all nutritional needs and that a balanced diet is essential for overall health.
It also advised limiting foods high in fat, sugar and salt, reducing visible fats and salt intake, and avoiding ultra-processed products. Regular physical activity and weight management have been highlighted as part of the overall approach.
“When we say 56 per cent of disease burden is associated with diet, we are really talking about everyday choices in the kitchen and at the shop,” a senior expert said, adding that “small, consistent changes in what we put on our plates can translate into large gains for population health.”
The institute said the guidelines aim to translate nutrition science into practical steps for households, schools and workplaces.
