Seasonal Cereal of September in India: Jowar

 Seasonal Cereals of September in India: Jowar

     September is a month of transition, as we move from the warmth of summer into the cooler months ahead. This change in season also brings a shift in the availability of fresh, seasonal produce. Among the various cereals, Jowar (Sorghum) stands out as a highly nutritious grain that's perfect for incorporating into our diets this month.

Health Benefits of Jowar:

Rich in Nutrients: Jowar is packed with essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and B vitamins, making it a great option for boosting overall health.

High in Fiber: Jowar is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy gut

Gluten-Free: For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, Jowar is a perfect alternative to wheat and other gluten-containing grains.

Heart Health: The high fiber content in Jowar helps lower bad cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Supports Weight Loss: Jowar keeps you fuller for longer, reducing the chances of overeating and helping with weight management.

Ways to Incorporate Jowar into Daily Meals:

Jowar Roti: Replace your regular wheat roti with Jowar roti. It's not only nutritious but also light on the stomach.

Jowar Upma: Start your day with a bowl of Jowar upma. It's a filling and healthy breakfast option.

Jowar Porridge: Make a creamy and delicious porridge using Jowar flour, milk, and a touch of honey for a comforting meal.

Jowar Salad: Cook Jowar grains and mix them with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and lemon juice for a refreshing salad.

Jowar Dosa: For a tasty twist, try Jowar dosa with your favourite chutney  for breakfast

     Incorporating seasonal cereals like Jowar into your diet is an excellent way to stay healthy and enjoy the benefits of fresh, locally available produce. With its numerous health benefits and versatility in cooking, Jowar is a grain that deserves a regular place on your plate this September.

National Nutrition Week 2024 - Nutritious Diets for Everyone

 National Nutrition Week 2024 

Nutritious Diets for Everyone

    National Nutrition Week is an annual event in India, celebrated from September 1 to 7, with the primary goal of raising awareness about the importance of nutrition for overall health and well-being. This week is dedicated to educating the public on the significance of a balanced diet, the role of nutrients in maintaining health, and the prevention of nutrition-related diseases. In 2024, the theme is "Nutritious Diets for Everyone," aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically targeting good health and well-being (SDG 3) and zero hunger (SDG 2).

Understanding the Theme: "Nutritious Diets for Everyone"

    The theme "Nutritious Diets for Everyone" emphasizes the importance of making healthy and balanced diets accessible to all segments of society, irrespective of age, gender, socio-economic status, or geographic location. This theme resonates with the global agenda of ensuring food security and improving nutrition while promoting sustainable agriculture.

    In a world where malnutrition and obesity often coexist, the focus on nutritious diets becomes more crucial than ever. Malnutrition, in its various forms, remains a significant challenge, impacting millions of people worldwide. This theme encourages a collective effort to ensure that everyone has access to the nutrients they need for a healthy life.

Ways to Achieve Nutritious Diets for Everyone

Promote a Diverse and Balanced Diet

   A nutritious diet includes a variety of foods that provide all the essential nutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Encourage the consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting the intake of processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.

Support Sustainable Agriculture and Local Food Systems

   Sustainable agriculture practices ensure the availability of nutritious food while protecting the environment. Supporting local farmers and food systems not only boosts the local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. Encouraging the consumption of seasonal and locally grown foods can make nutritious diets more affordable and accessible.

Education and Awareness

   Public health campaigns and nutrition education programs play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of a balanced diet. Schools, workplaces, and community centers can host workshops, cooking demonstrations, and seminars to teach people how to prepare healthy meals using affordable ingredients.

Address Food Insecurity

   Ensuring food security for all is crucial in achieving nutritious diets for everyone. This can be done by improving access to nutritious food through food assistance programs, community kitchens, and initiatives that reduce food waste. Policies that make healthy food options more affordable and accessible, especially for low-income families, are essential.

Empower Women and Children

   Women, especially mothers, play a critical role in ensuring their families' nutritional well-being. Empowering women with knowledge and resources to make healthy food choices can have a significant impact on the overall health of the community. Special attention should also be given to the nutritional needs of children, as good nutrition in early life is critical for long-term health.

Foster Healthy Eating Habits

   Encouraging healthy eating habits from a young age can lead to lifelong positive behaviors. Schools and educational institutions should incorporate nutrition education into their curricula and promote healthy eating in their meal programs. Parents and caregivers can also lead by example, making healthy choices at home.

    National Nutrition Week 2024 is an opportunity to reflect on our dietary choices and make a collective effort to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious diets. By promoting diverse and balanced diets, supporting sustainable agriculture, and fostering education and awareness, we can move closer to achieving the United Nations' goals for sustainable development. Let's work together to make nutritious diets a reality for everyone, contributing to a healthier and more equitable world.

தேசிய ஊட்டச்சத்து வாரம்

தேசிய ஊட்டச்சத்து   வாரம் 

(1-7) செப்டம்பர், 2022

இந்தியாவில் தேசிய ஊட்டச்சத்து மாதம் ஒவ்வொரு ஆண்டும் செப்டம்பர் மாதம் கொண்டப்படுகிறது. அதில் செப்டம்பர் 1 முதல் 7 ம் தேதி வரை தேசிய ஊட்டச்சத்து வாரமாக கடைபிடிக்கப்படுகிறது. ஊட்டச்சத்து நிறைந்த உணவுகளை உட்கொள்வதன் அவசியத்தை குறித்த விழிப்புணர்வை ஏற்படுத்துவதே இதன் நோக்கமாகும்.

    சரிவிகித உணவை எடுத்து கொள்வதன் மூலம் ஆரோக்கியமான நோயற்ற வாழ்வை வாழ முடியும். ஒவ்வொரு வருடமும் ஒரு கருப்பொருளை கொண்டு தேசிய ஊட்டச்சத்து வாரம் கொண்டப்படுகிறது. 

2022 ம் ஆண்டின் கருப்பொருள்

 " சுவைகளின் உலகை கொண்டாடுவோம்" 

    இந்தியாவில் 1982 ம் ஆண்டு முதல் தேசிய ஊட்டச்சத்து மாதம் கொண்டப்படுகிறது.   இந்திய அரசு பலவிதமான செயல்களின் மூலம் மக்களுக்கு விழிப்புணர்வை ஏற்படுத்தும் பணியை செய்கிறது. 

    இந்த ஆண்டு தேசிய ஊட்டச்சத்து மாதத்தில் பெண்களுக்கும், குழந்தைகளுக்கும் ஊட்டச்சத்தின் அவசியத்தை குறித்து விழிப்புணர்வை  ஏற்படுத்த இந்திய அரசு திட்டமிட்டுள்ளது. இதன் முதல் குறிக்கோள் "ஊட்டச்சத்து குறைபாட்டை" நீக்குவதாகும். ஊட்டச்சத்து குறைபாடு குறைவூட்டலினாலோ அல்லது மிகைவூட்டத்தினாலோ (undernutriton  or  overnutrition ) ஏற்படுகிறது. எல்லா வயதினருக்கும் ஊட்டச்சத்து இன்றியமையாயது.