Pune : Proteins are one of the essential components of a healthy diet and play a pivotal role in facilitating several functions within the body. According to a survey, 73 percent of Indians do not consume the recommended daily amount of protein, and over 90 percent are unaware of this necessity. To educate consumers on the importance of including optimal amount of protein in the diet, the Almond Board of California, today, hosted a session around ‘A natural approach to mitigating India’s protein problem’.
The event was held at Ramee Grand Hotel, with sessions featured Indian Actress and Director, Mrinal Kulkarni, as well as MBBS and Nutritionist, Dr Rohini Patil, and was moderated by RJ Meenal. The discussion at the event focused on the lack of understanding regarding the sources of protein among Indian households and the importance of adequate protein intake in maintaining health. India faces a concerning issue of protein deficiency, with many individuals not meeting the required daily intake. The recommended protein intake for an average adult in India is 0.8 gram per kilogram of body weight. However, the average consumption typically rests at about 0.6 grams per kilogram of body weight.
Dr Rohini Patil, MBBS and Nutritionist said, “Everyone’s body and fitness needs are different, influenced by things like how fast our metabolism is, how active we are, and what our personal goals are. A balanced diet is the key to achieve holistic health. Adding protein is a key, and it’s good for us in the long run. One easy way to get more protein is by snacking on almonds every day; they’re healthy, handy, and packed with protein. A 30 g serving of almonds provides 6.3 g of protein. Almonds are also a source of nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, vitamin E, and Vitamin B2. Some of the foods rich in protein are nuts, seeds, pulses, dals, egg, chicken, and fish. For people looking for plant-based proteins, there are several options like soybean, pulses, dals, and nuts like almonds.”
The misconceptions surrounding the sources of protein, daily needs, and its function in numerous biological processes within our body were some of the key discussion points. Some of the misconceptions included the belief that vegetarians lack sufficient protein sources, that it causes weight gain and that it’s hard to digest. The facts are that protein consumption can help to prevent weight gain, help one feel satiated, along with being good for muscle health.
Yet another survey revealed that many households in India are not aware of the importance of protein as a vital macronutrient. The study, primarily involving mothers, found that most of them lacked an understanding of the essential role of protein and the reasons for consuming it. In this context, access to good quality protein becomes an important lever for achieving a balanced diet for India’s population.
Popular actress, Mrinal Kulkarni, said, “As an actress, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is pivotal, and almonds have become my go-to snack for sustained energy and overall well-being. They’re not just a treat for me; they’re an essential part of my daily diet. I ensure my family joins me in this nutritious journey, making almonds a delightful addition to our meals. Packed with protein, they’re not just a tasty indulgence but a smart choice for a wholesome, balanced life.”
There is an urgent need to create awareness on what kind of proteins to eat, how much to eat, the importance of macronutrients and easily available sources of protein. It is important to ensure that the body’s daily nutrient requirements to maintain good health are met. Collective awareness and informed choices can address the problem of protein deficiency in the country.
