Surat : 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 Hotel Park Inn with the session featuring Celebrity Fitness Trainer, Sapna Vyas and MBBS and Nutritionist, Dr Rohini Patil. The session was moderated by RJ Rajul. The discussion 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 achieving holistic health. Adding protein is crucial for our well-being in the long run. One convenient way to increase protein intake is by incorporating almonds into our daily snacks; they’re nutritious, portable, and packed with protein. A 30 g serving of almonds provides 6.3 g of protein. Almonds also offer essential nutrients such as zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, vitamin E, and Vitamin B2. Other protein-rich foods include nuts, seeds, pulses, lentils, eggs, poultry, and fish. For those seeking plant-based protein sources, options like soybeans, pulses, lentils, and nuts such as almonds are readily available.”
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.
Celebrity Fitness Trainer, Sapna Vyas, said, “As a celebrity fitness coach, I can attest to the incredible benefits of almonds as a powerhouse of nutrition. Not only are they a fantastic source of protein, but they’re also packed with essential nutrients vital for overall health. Personally, I make it a point to incorporate almonds into my daily diet for sustained energy and muscle recovery. Their delicious taste makes them a convenient and satisfying snack that fuels my active lifestyle. Remember, embracing the goodness of almonds is a step towards a fitter, healthier you.”
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.
