Unhealthy Diets Pose a Major Burden on India’s Health

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) issued a stern warning regarding the dangers of excessive protein supplements and unhealthy diets. According to the ICMR, unhealthy dietary practices contribute to a staggering 56.4% of India’s disease burden. The council emphasized the significance of adhering to dietary guidelines and engaging in regular physical activity to mitigate the risk of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. To promote informed and healthy food choices, the ICMR recommended reducing salt intake, minimizing sugar consumption, avoiding ultra-processed foods, and carefully reading food labels.

New School Meal Standards Announced by USDA

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced new nutrition standards for school meals. The final rule focuses on reducing added sugars and sodium in kids’ meals. Added sugars will be limited to no more than 10% of total calories per week by the 2027 school year. Sodium levels in breakfasts will be reduced by 10% and in lunches by 15% by the 2027-2028 school year. The aim is to improve nutrition and align with U.S. dietary guidelines in the program that provides breakfasts to more than 15 million students and lunches to nearly 30 million students every day.

Individuals with Cardiovascular Disease Exceed Recommended Sodium Intake

A study presented at the American Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session revealed that individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) consume excessive sodium, averaging over twice the recommended daily intake of 2300 mg. The findings highlight the challenges in adhering to a low-sodium diet, even for individuals with CVD who have an incentive to limit sodium intake. The study emphasized the need for more practical ways to estimate dietary sodium levels and potentially reduce sodium content in our food sources.

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