Washington: Minor genetic differences can affect the ability to utilize the energy of various nutrients, according to a new study by the University of Helsinki.The findings of the study were published in the journal 'Nature Communications.'The study showed how nutritional planning based on genetic data could promote the development of personalized nutrition for health.In an international collaborative study, researchers from Australia, Denmark, and Finland investigated how individuals of the same population differ in their ability to survive on various diets.The researchers utilized a genetic reference panel consisting of roughly 200 closely related fruit fly strains (Drosophila melanogaster). The flies were fed six different diets containing high concentrations respectively of protein, sugar, starch, coconut oil or lard, or a combination of sugar and lard.The study of fruit flies found that small genetic differences affected the flies' ability to use the energy of various nutrients. "Unexpectedly we found that the fruit fly strains differed considerably, for example, in their ability to survive on a high-sugar diet. What makes this particularly surprising is the fact that the food consumed by fruit flies in nature contains a lot of sugars," said Essi Havula, now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki and the lead author of the study."The genes that regulate metabolism have been conserved well in evolution, which is why we can learn a lot about human metabolism through studies carried out with fruit flies," Havula added.In genetic analyses, the researchers identified a number of genes that contributed to the ability of flies to tolerate sugar. Most of these genes are found also in humans and have been suggested in previous genome-wide association studies to play a role in obesity and type 2 diabetes."Fly studies enable fast and cost-effective functional studies to investigate the genes in depth. Among other things, we demonstrated that the tailless gene (TLX), previously investigated primarily from the perspective of the function and development of the nervous system, is necessary for the normal function of sugar metabolism in flies," Havula said. In addition, the researchers demonstrated that the JNK pathway, one of the most important stress-signalling pathways, regulated sugar metabolism and storage-fat synthesis in the case of high-sugar diets in the study. "It appears that dietary sugar causes stress to the cells, giving the JNK pathway an important role in how effectively flies tolerate and process sugar," Havula said.According to the researchers, most of the findings can be applied to humans as well, even though further research is still needed. Havula pointed out that the study provides concrete evidence on how the same dietary recommendations do not necessarily suit everyone. "Research-based knowledge increasingly shows how metabolic responses to diets differ between animal populations and individuals. Traditional dietary recommendations are not necessarily suited to everyone, which explains the continued lack of consensus on a 'healthy diet'."One option is to develop nutrition in a more personalized direction with the help of nutrigenomics."Hopefully, in the future type, 2 diabetes and many other metabolic diseases can be treated with nutritional planning based on knowledge of individual genomes. This would be considerably less expensive than drug therapies as well as better for the health of individuals in the long run," Havula said. The potential of nutrigenomics is not limited to the treatment of traditional metabolic diseases. "For example, cancer cells are known to alter their metabolism, extending the potential of nutrigenomics to a wide range of fields," Havula added.&nbsp;—ANI

Minor genetic differences can affect the ability to utilize the energy of various nutrients, according to a new study by the University of Helsinki.

Ability To Utilize Energy Of Various Nutrients Can Be Affected By Genetic Differences: Study

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to start distribution of fortified rice all over the state in the next one year through Public Distribution System (PDS), to address anaemia and deficiency of micro-nutrients in women and children.Commissioner, Food and Civil Supplies, Sorabh Babu, said: "Fortified rice is being distributed in Chandauli district and Sewapuri block of Varanasi district. In other districts of the state, fortified rice is being distributed in mid-day meals and ICDS (Integrated Child Development Scheme)."Taking it to a larger population and to tackle malnutrition, the state government will start the distribution through Targeted PDS (TPDS) in 60 high burden and aspirational districts of the state," he added.The state government is preparing an action plan in this regard. By April 2023, it plans to cover the entire TPDS scheme and start distribution to 15 crore beneficiaries of the state.The Centre's scheme of distribution of rice fortified with three nutrients (iron, folate, and vitamin B12) has started in Chandauli district on a pilot basis and was launched by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on January 9, 2021.Malnutrition and lack of essential nutrients in poor women and poor children pose major obstacles in their development.The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) defines fortification as "deliberately increasing the content of essential micronutrients in a food so as to improve the nutritional quality of food and to provide public health benefits with minimal risk to health".Rice fortification is a process of adding micronutrients to regular rice using extrusion technology. This involves the production of fortified rice kernels (FRK) from a mixture using an extruder machine. The fortified rice kernels are then blended with regular rice or non-fortified rice, typically at a ratio of 1:100 to produce fortified rice. The benefits of fortified rice include reduction in anaemia, increased levels of haemoglobin, vitamin B12, zinc, and multiple micronutrients.&nbsp;—IANS

 The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to start distribution of fortified rice all over the state in the next one year through Public Distribution System (PDS), to address anaemia and deficiency of micro-nutrients in women and children.

Yogi Govt To Tackle Malnutrition With Fortified Rice

Tokyo: According to new research by Juntendo University, scientists linked dementia in elderly people with sarcopenic obesity.The findings of the research were published in the journal 'Clinical Nutrition'.Obesity, an increasingly prevalent lifestyle disease, often occurs along with poor muscle mass. This condition, called sarcopenic obesity, is evaluated based on the patients' body mass index (BMI) and handgrip strength. Interestingly, sarcopenic obesity is known to increase the risk of cognitive impairment. Dementia, a cognitive condition where memory, thinking and social abilities progressively decline, is known to significantly affect the quality of life in elderly people. Is this condition associated with sarcopenic obesity?A group of researchers led by Dr Yoshifumi Tamura of Juntendo University, Japan, explored this very question. "If the association between sarcopenic obesity and dementia is established, appropriate preventive measures can be taken to reduce the occurrence of this condition and the risk of dementia in elderly patients," said Dr Tamura, stressing on the importance of their study. This study was made available online on March 16, 2022, and was published in Volume 41 Issue 5 of the journal on May 01, 2022. In the study, the researchers recruited 1615 older Japanese adults aged 65 to 84 years participating in the Bunkyo Health Study. The researchers divided the subjects into four groups based on their sarcopenia and obesity status: those with obesity, those with sarcopenia, those with sarcopenic obesity, and those without obesity or sarcopenia (control). They studied the link between various mental processes, sarcopenia, and obesity status. Sarcopenia or poor muscle strength was determined based on a handgrip strength of less than 28 kg in men and 18 kg in women, while obesity status was given to patients with a BMI greater than 25 kg/m2.Two assessment methods were performed to establish the presence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. A score of fewer than 22 points on the Montreal cognitive assessment and less than 23 points on the Mine-Mental State Examination was used to confirm MCI and dementia respectively.They found that 59.4 per cent of the population had neither obesity nor sarcopenia, 21.2 per cent had obesity, 14.6 per cent had sarcopenia, and 4.7 per cent of the population had sarcopenic obesity. The participants with sarcopenic obesity had the greatest rate of MCI and dementia, followed by those with sarcopenia, obesity, and finally the control group.When the team ran multivariate analyses to check for statistically relevant associations, they found that sarcopenic obesity was independently associated with an increased prevalence of MCI and dementia compared with the absence of sarcopenia and obesity. The study also showed that sarcopenia is significantly associated with dementia in women, but not in men. "This study clearly demonstrates that sarcopenic obesity, defined by the combination of BMI and handgrip strength is associated with MCI and dementia among Japan's elderly people," said Dr Tamura.But what are the long-term implications of this study?Dr Tamura's answer to this question is encouraging. "Since we now know that there is a strong correlation between sarcopenic obesity and dementia, we may develop new treatment methods to manage the condition, thereby even reducing the prevalence of dementia."&nbsp;—ANI

 According to new research by Juntendo University, scientists linked dementia in elderly people with sarcopenic obesity. The findings of the research were published in the journal 'Clinical Nutrition'.

Scientists Find Sarcopenic Obesity Is Linked To Dementia In Elderly

New Delhi: Nutrition is one of the key areas of effort for parents during their kids' formative years, but a childs fussy eating habits can be incredibly frustrating for a parent to manage. Fussy eating occurs amongst children due to early age feeding difficulties and food, taste preferences, late introduction to solid/semi-solid food and pressure to adopt eating habits. Before you resort to bribing them with a yummy dessert or fast-food items like burgers and pizzas, let us explain why this happens.Five Reasons why your child is a fussy eaterTaste:&nbsp;Children are born with a natural preference for sweet tastes. They crave higher levels of sweetness compared to adults. For example, they may not enjoy having vegetables as much as a sweet treat which turns them into reject healthier food and makes them a fussy eater. As they grow up, kids may increase their liking for bitter or sour food with repeated exposure and if they are accompanied with something sweet and as their taste buds evolve.Composition of food:&nbsp;You must have noticed your child prefers foods such as slices of bread, cakes, breadsticks, crackers, chicken nuggets, and chips, over anything else put on the table. The reason here is that they do not have to put much effort into chewing and swallowing these foods as they are processed foods with no added nutritional value to them. The second reason why the younger ones prefer these foods is that they are starchy carbohydrates. A child prefers carbohydrates as the preferred source of fuel.Distraction and Appetite:&nbsp;Have you ever considered spacing out the timings of meals and snacks for your children? It may often happen that snacking close to mealtime may reduce their desire to eat the meal and hence take the edge off their appetite. It is essential to structure mealtime and snacks, especially without any screen in front of them. Screentime during meals can lead them to overeat when they grow up or simply not eating enough.Spoon feeding:&nbsp;Children will, of course, eat more if their plates are loaded with food by a parent, but that is not what we are looking for in the long run. The aim for young children is for them to internally understand their hunger cues and fullness quotient. It's best to let them self-feed under parental supervision to naturally know and remember the feeling of fullness.Activity levels:&nbsp;If your child has been running around the park during holidays, has had a busy day or has over-exerted his/her brains by visiting a new place or learning a new thing, it leads to an increase in appetite. If they have no physical activity at all, in that case, they might not want to eat as much as they usually do. This essentially means tiredness and activity levels have a direct impact on children's appetiteHow to tackle fussy eatersFussy eating is not just frustrating for parents, but it also leads to low immunity, low weight for age, and low height. You can tackle your child's fussy habits and teach the importance of healthy eating habits in the following ways:Have set mealtimes.Choose healthy food options and introduce one new tasty and nutritious food at least once a day. Be patient as your child may require repeated exposure to a new food before he/she adapts to it.Create a family table without any electronic devices or distractions where everyone eats togetherIncorporate a nutritional supplement or drink like Pediasure into your child's meal. It offers a complete and balanced nutrition solution with 37 nutrients and bridges the nutritional gap caused due to fussy eating habitsMake it fun: Be creative in how you present healthy but not necessarily tasty food. Add veggies to their favourite pasta, and add a side of dipping sauce to the plate of broccoli. Have fun with it!Nutrition fundamentals that apply to all kids; Whether your children eat everything, are picky eaters or will try anything once, it's important for them to get the right mix of nutrients that will help them develop healthy bodies, strong bones, and bright minds.The following are the food groups and nutrients a child's meal plan should consist of:Protein:&nbsp;For building muscles, other tissues, and a healthy immune system Fruits and vegetables: For a nutritional fibre intake, source of vitamins &amp; mineralsGrains:&nbsp;As a source of carbohydrates and energyIron:&nbsp;For making healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body and prevent anaemiaVitamin D:&nbsp;For strong, healthy bonesCalcium:&nbsp;It helps build strong bones.Healthy fats:&nbsp;For brain and nerve development, they also aid nutrient absorptionVitamin C:&nbsp;For a healthy immune system, healing, and absorption of ironDealing with a child's fussy eating habits can be challenging but try not to get frustrated as this is typical behaviour of most toddlers. Just make healthy food choices available and know that, with time, your child's appetite and eating behaviours will evolve.—IANS

 Nutrition is one of the key areas of effort for parents during their kids' formative years, but a childs fussy eating habits can be incredibly frustrating for a parent to manage.

Understanding fussy eating

New Delhi: Humans are becoming more aware of what they consume and how it affects them as the world becomes more health conscious. The food we eat have a direct impact on our mental and physical health. Some bite-sized foods provide concentrated doses of vitamins and minerals, while others aid in digestion and absorption. Every food contains some inherent goodness, but some deliver it in large quantities. They contain so many nutrients that they almost act as a supplement. But, of course, far superior. Many of these superfoods are often so underappreciated that their benefits are not widely known. It's time to make a change.Check out these underrated items:Fortified salt: Stopping your salt intake abruptly in ones diet unless indicated by their doctor is a bad idea. Instead one can switch to salt that is fortified with right compounds like the much needed zinc makes more sense. This can help contribute to overall immunity in our body. Zinc also helps with faster healing of wounds and fighting respiratory infections.Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds have a delicious nutty flavour and are packed with carotenoids, which help skyrocket your immunity and keep your eyes super healthy. Plus these underrated seeds help enhance our memory, critical thinking, and general cognition.Fox nuts: These are a good source of protein and fibre, they are moderately high in calories (50 grams will give you 175 calories) but since they are a low GI (glycemic Index) food, they get digested slowly in the body. These are gluten-free, and so great for those who are gluten intolerant and also pack in a lot of anti-aging antioxidants.Peanuts: There is no doubt that peanuts are a cheap source of good quality protein. Thirty grams give you about 160 calories and seven grams of protein, comparable to almonds which deliver same amount of calories and six grams of protein. And peanuts actually offer the best bang for the buck. By the way peanuts are rich in resveratrol too helps in reducing risk of cancer and delays aging too.Singhara:&nbsp;First benefit of singhara (water chestnuts) is that they are fat, cholesterol, and gluten free, and have very low sodium and calories and decent amount of fibre too. Plus they are an excellent source of potassium, a mineral that helps bust water retention and lower blood pressure by balancing sodium. They also deliver bone strengthening calcium and other minerals like iodine and manganese (which help in maintaining proper functioning of the thyroid gland) and copper, zinc, vitamin B and vitamin E, all of which are extremely essential for us to stay healthy.Sattu:&nbsp;Sattu (roasted gram flour) provides instant energy, and is a brilliant source of vegetarian good quality protein (100 grams delivers close to 20 grams of protein). Has a lot of fibre (close to 22 grams), most of which is insoluble fibre, which is great for our gut and helps cleanse out the stomach and detox the body. It is a wonder food for those who are suffering from gas, acidity and constipation too.Amla: Vitamin C is our best bet to boost the immunity and keep flu, cold and a myriad of other viruses at bay. And Amla (Indian berry) is the most concentrated plant source of Vitamin C. This makes it a potent antioxidant food and a great immunity booster, besides helping improve absorption of iron and calcium from food. Amla also packs in a trace mineral chromium that has a therapeutic value for diabetics as it helps in boosting the secretion of insulin and thus keeps fasting blood sugar levels in check and is a liver detoxer too.—IANS

Humans are becoming more aware of what they consume and how it affects them as the world becomes more health conscious. The food we eat have a direct impact on our mental and physical health. Some bite-sized foods provide concentrated doses of vitamins and minerals, while others aid in digestion and absorption.

7 underrated foods that are great for you

Washington: A study by the&nbsp;<a href="https://aninews.in/topic/american-society-for-nutrition" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: transparent;">American Society for Nutrition</a>&nbsp;outline the case for and against using the concept of ultra-processed foods to help inform dietary guidelines beyond conventional food classification systems. The authors, Carlos A. Monteiro, MD, PhD, of the University of Sao Paulo in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Arne Astrup, MD, PhD, of Novo Nordisk Foundation in Hellerup, Denmark, will discuss the issue in a live virtual debate June 14 during NUTRITION 2022 LIVE ONLINE. The debate centres around NOVA, a system developed by Monteiro and colleagues that classifies foods by their degree of industrial processing, ranging from unprocessed or minimally processed to ultra-processed. NOVA defines ultra-processed foods as those made using sequences of processes that extract substances from foods and alter them with chemicals or additives in order to formulate the final product. Ultra-processed foods are characteristically designed to be cheap, palatable and convenient; examples include soft drinks and candy, packaged snacks and pastries, ready-to-heat products, and reconstituted meat products or plant-based alternatives.Studies have linked consumption of ultra-processed foods -- which are often high in salt, sugar and fat -- with weight gain and an increased risk of chronic diseases, even after adjusting for the amount of salt, sugar and fat in the diet. While the mechanisms behind these associations are not fully understood, Monteiro argues that the existing evidence is sufficient to justify discouraging the consumption of ultra-processed foods in dietary recommendations and government policies. "The negative dietary effects of ultra-processed foods have now been made clear by many nationally-representative studies," Monteiro wrote in his position paper. "[Guidelines] should emphasize the preference for unprocessed or minimally processed foods and freshly made meals and make explicit the need to avoid ultra-processed foods."In a counterargument, Astrup argues that classifying foods according to their processing methods does not meaningfully improve upon existing systems and could lead to unintended consequences. For example, there are both nutritional and environmental benefits to increasing the emphasis on plant-based foods, yet many healthful plant-based meat and dairy alternatives are considered ultra-processed. Astrup also contends that unhealthful foods like fries, burgers and pizza would be considered ultra-processed if purchased from a fast-food restaurant but minimally processed if made at home with similar ingredients. "Clearly, many aspects of food processing can affect health outcomes, but conflating them into the notion of ultra-processing is unnecessary because the main determinants of chronic disease risk are already captured by existing nutrient profiling systems," wrote Astrup. "The NOVA classification adds little to existing nutrient profiling systems; characterizes several healthy, nutrient-dense foods as unhealthy; and is counterproductive to solve the major global food production challenges."&nbsp;—ANI

A study by the American Society for Nutrition outline the case for and against using the concept of ultra-processed foods to help inform dietary guidelines beyond conventional food classification systems.

Are ultra-processed foods harmful? Experts present their argument

New Delhi: In the first ever 'State Ranking Index' under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) released on Tuesday, Odisha has topped the list of general category states while Tripura topped the list of special category states.Odisha is followed by Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat in the general category states, while in the special category comprising the Northeastern states, Himalayan states, and Island regions, Tripura is followed by Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Nagaland.This ranking is generated by data provided by the states about their food and public distribution processes, vital for ensuring that no one goes hungry.The ranking, that is based on the food and security index, has been generated for the first time. A similar exercise would be carried out every year.It was released by Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Piyush Goyal at the conference of Food Ministers on the theme of 'Food &amp; Nutrition Security of India'."The Index has been developed with the objectives of creating an environment of competition, cooperation, and learning among the states; states learning from each other their best practices while addressing grave matters of food security and hunger," Goyal said.The ranking will also help create transparency in the system to publish reliable and standard data in the public domain for citizens, the government said.The conference also saw presentations from multiple states on their best practices.Goyal lambasted the states that abstained from the conference, physically or virtually, and said: "It shows that the states are not serious about the important issue of food security." —IANS

In the first ever 'State Ranking Index' under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) released on Tuesday, Odisha has topped the list of general category states while Tripura topped the list of special category states.

In A First, States Ranked For Food & Nutrition

New Delhi (The Hawk): A child's Aadhaar card is not mandatory for availing the benefits under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme of the Anganwadi Services Scheme. The benefits under the scheme can be accessed using the mother's Aadhaar card. Anganwadi Services scheme is being digitized by the Ministry through the POSHAN Tracker App to enable the Ministry to identify the beneficiaries as part of the programme as a whole and to ensure uninterrupted supply of nutrition to the children, Pregnant Women and Lactating mothers and adolescents girl beneficiaries, who move within the State or outside the state due to any reason. A migration module for shifting from one AWC to another has been provided in POSHAN Tracker to facilitate nutrition to migrant beneficiaries.So far approximately 10.63 crore beneficiaries have been registered under the scheme as per Poshan Tracker and approximately 53% have been Aadhar verified covering around 5.61 crore beneficiaries. However, all beneficiaries registered are benefited under the Scheme.

A child's Aadhaar card is not mandatory for availing the benefits under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme of the Anganwadi Services Scheme

Requirement of Aadhaar for Supplementary Nutrition Programme

New Delhi: <span style="color: rgb(34,34,34);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 15px;font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;">Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the people to join the efforts in eradicating malnutrition, adding that social awareness will play an important role in tackling the issue.&nbsp;
<span style="color: rgb(34,34,34);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 15px;font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;">“I am telling you about so many innovative experiments related to malnutrition, because all of us also have to join this campaign in the coming month. The month of September is dedicated to festivals as well as a big campaign related to nutrition. We celebrate the ‘Poshan Maah’ every year from September 1 to 30. Many creative and diverse efforts are being made all over the country against malnutrition,” he said while addressing the nation through his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
<span style="color: rgb(34,34,34);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 15px;font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;">Noting that better use of technology and also public participation has become an important part of the nutrition campaign, the PM said from providing mobile devices to millions of Anganwadi workers in the country, a Poshan Tracker has also been launched to monitor the accessibility of Anganwadi services.
<span style="color: rgb(34,34,34);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 15px;font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;">“In all the ‘Aspirational Districts’ and the states of the North East, 14 to 18 year-old girls have also been brought under the purview of the ‘Poshan Abhiyaan’. The solution to the malady of malnutrition is not limited just to these steps – in this fight, many other initiatives also play an important role. Efforts for social awareness play an important role in tackling the challenges of malnutrition. I would urge all of you in the coming nutrition month, to take part in the efforts to eradicate malnutrition,” he said.
<span style="color: rgb(34,34,34);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 15px;font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;">He further mentioned that the United Nations has passed a resolution declaring the year 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’ and this proposal of India had been accepted by more than 70 countries.
<span style="color: rgb(34,34,34);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 15px;font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;">“Today, around the world, the craze for these very coarse grains, millets, is rising. Millets, coarse grains, have been a part of our agriculture, culture and civilisation since ancient times. Millets are mentioned in our Vedas, and similarly, they are also mentioned in Purananuru and Tolkappiyam. If you go to any part of the country, you will definitely find different types of millets in the food of the people there. In millets too, just like our culture, a lot of diversity is found,” he said.
<span style="color: rgb(34,34,34);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 15px;font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;">India is the largest producer of millets in the world and hence the responsibility of making this initiative a success also rests on the shoulders of Indians.
<span style="color: rgb(34,34,34);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 15px;font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;">He said: “Together, we all have to make it a mass movement, and also increase the awareness of Millets among the people of the country. And friends, you know very well, millets are also beneficial for the farmers and especially the small farmers. In fact, the crop gets ready in a very short time, and does not require much water either.”
<span style="color: rgb(34,34,34);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 15px;font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;">“For our small farmers, millets are especially beneficial. Millet hay is also considered the best fodder. Nowadays, the young generation is much more focused on Healthy Living and Eating. Even if you look at it this way, millets contain plenty of protein, fiber, and minerals. Many people even call it a ‘Superfood’. Millets have many benefits, not just one.”
<span style="color: rgb(34,34,34);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 15px;font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;">The Prime Minister highlighted that along with reducing obesity, millets also reduce the risk of diabetes, hypertension and heart related diseases and are also helpful in preventing stomach and liver ailments.
<span style="color: rgb(34,34,34);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 15px;font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;">“We referred to malnutrition, just a while ago. Millets are also very beneficial in fighting malnutrition, since they are packed with energy as well as protein. Today a lot is being done to promote millets in the country. Along with focusing on research and innovation related to this, FPOs are being encouraged, so that production can be increased,” he added.
<span style="color: rgb(34,34,34);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 15px;font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;">—IANS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the people to join the efforts in eradicating malnutrition, adding that social awareness will play an important role in tackling the issue. 

 PM exhorts people to help eradicate malnutrition

Bengaluru: Karnataka's Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah on Thursday slammed the Central government's decision to import green areca nut from Bhutan, saying that due to the "ill-willed policy, the life of areca nut growers will be doomed".
The areca nut growers are already in distress because of various diseases attacking the crop and areca trees. During this difficult hour, the central government has betrayed them, he said.
The notification giving unconditional consent to the purchase of 17,000 metric tons of raw areca nut from Bhutan will prove costly and affect the livelihood of local areca nut growers, he said, adding that while the state areca nut farmers are agitating for a total ban on imports, the Centre has exhibited its "unilateral and arbitrary approach".
"The Union government, which has adopted an egoistic approach towards farmers, has not even laid down conditions for the specified minimum import price (MIP) and shown green signal for import of areca nut from Bhutan. The central government has also indicated more imports from different countries in future," Siddaramaiah said.
"I had warned when the Central government brought down excise tax on imported areca nuts and increased the GST on indigenous areca nuts. I had also prevailed upon the state government to make the Union government understand the situation of areca nut farmers. However, it is proved that the 'probationary' Chief Minister (Basavaraj Bommai) does not have capacity to talk to the Central government on farmers' woes," he added.
Noting that the farmers of Malnad (hilly) region have complained about the state and Central governments turning blind eye to their plight, he said that their worst fears have come true now, and the decision to import 17,000 tons of areca nut from Bhutan is the height of betrayal.
Siddaramaiah said that Home Miniister Araga Jnanendra, who heads the Task Force formed to look into the woes of areca nut farmers, is maintaining that imports will have no bearing. "The government and the Home Minister do not have common sense that these things won't solve the crisis of farmers," he said.
He also noted that the BJP's Karnataka President, national and state General Secretaries hail from regions where areca nut farming is taken up on large scale, but have not responded and the MLAs and MPs of the districts where the crop is grown are also tightlipped.
All are colluding to write the death warrant of areca nut farmers, Siddaramaiah alleged, demanding that the consent given to imports from Bhutan must be immediately reversed, GST on areca nuts reduced, and the state government should exert pressure on the Centre in this regard.&nbsp;
—IANS

Karnataka's Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah on Thursday slammed the Central government's decision to import green areca nut from Bhutan, saying that due to the "ill-willed policy, the life of areca nut growers will be doomed".c

 Siddaramaiah slams Centre for permitting areca nut import from Bhutan

Karnataka's Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah on Thursday slammed the Central government's decision to import green areca nut from Bhutan, saying that due to the "ill-willed policy, the life of areca nut growers will be doomed".

Thiruvananthapuram: Palliyodu village in the capital city outskirts is in news since Friday morning as a man, a contractor by profession, is perched atop a tall coconut tree and threatening to jump down if he does not get his dues.
He is sitting on the coconut tree opposite a house, which he built as a contractor, but the owner is refusing to pay the money.
Suresh says he has to get a balance of Rs 4.80 lakh from the house owner and all his attempts to get it went futile.
A large number of locals besides police and Fire Force officials are convincing him to come down and that the matter can be amicably settled.
But an adamant Suresh said he will come down only after the money is deposited in his bank account and he gets an SMS alert on his mobile.
Suresh says he has been pursuing this for a while but, even the police did not help him and hence he has resorted to it.
As the news spread, various TV news channels have also joined in and are giving live telecast and airing his needs on the news bulletins and his needs which he is saying.
He is waving the bills and the account statements and is now sending it on WhatsApp to the concerned to prove that his demands are genuine.&nbsp;
—IANS

Palliyodu village in the capital city outskirts is in news since Friday morning as a man, a contractor by profession, is perched atop a tall coconut tree and threatening to jump down if he does not get his dues.

 Kerala contractor threatens to jump from coconut tree if not paid for his work

Shahnaz Husain 
New Delhi (The Hawk): The lips, like the eyes, add character to the face. They are the focus of attention when we speak. The lips also add balance to the face, along with other facial features like the eyes and the nose. As far as beauty is concerned, appropriate lip makeup can enhance the beauty of the face. In winter, keeping the skin of the lips soft and smooth can present a problem due to the lack of moisture and the effect of lip makeup.&nbsp;
Nutritional deficiencies can also lead to dry, chapped lips. Sometimes, even cracks may develop. Vitamins A, C, and B2 are important for the lips. So, foods like citrus fruits, ripe papaya, tomatoes, carrots, green leafy vegetables, nuts, whole grains, oats, and milk products may be included in the diet. Of course, it’s best to take your doctor’s advice before making changes in your diet, especially if you have any medical condition. Use glossy lipsticks and lip balm. Avoid soap and powder on lips. Remove lipstick with a cleansing cream or gel. Apply almond oil or cream at night and leave it on.
&nbsp;Taking care of the lips only helps with lip makeup. As far as care is concerned, I must mention that the skin of the lips is thin and delicate. It does not contain oil glands. That is why it becomes dry and chaps easily, especially during winter. After washing the face, the lips may be rubbed gently with a soft towel to remove dead skin. Apply cream of milk (malai) daily and leave it on for an hour. If the lips become dark, add a few drops of lemon juice to the cream of milk. At night, apply pure almond oil or an almond cream daily on the lips and leave on overnight.&nbsp;
Oils like Argan and Coconut oil also help to nourish the skin on the lips. Today, it is being increasingly used for cosmetic purposes to make cosmetics like moisturizers, creams, lotions, face packs, hair oils, hair conditioners, etc. Argan oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin E. Since it contains Vitamin E and antioxidants, it helps to delay the visible aging sign and even rejuvenate the skin. It protects the youthful properties of the skin, like elasticity and resilience. As it is easily absorbed by the skin, it can be ideal for the care of the lips. The fatty acids also nourish and soften the skin. The oil was used for medicinal purposes to cure skin problems and also heal and soothe burns. It nourishes the skin and improves skin texture. Argan oil can be used directly on the skin. Use only a few drops directly on the lips.
Coconut oil has also been valued for its nourishing and moisturizing ability. It has a great skin-softening ability and helps to make the skin soft and smooth. It may be applied to the lips and is also said to protect the skin from the damage caused by exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. It is said to protect the skin better than cream. It also helps to heal cracks on the lips. In fact, it can be used to remove makeup from the face, including the lips. Coconut oil may be applied on the lips and left on overnight. Or, it can be left on for 15 minutes and wiped off with moist cotton wool. The advantage is that, unlike other preparations that may contain synthetic ingredients, coconut oil can be safely applied to the lips and even ingested. Another advantage is that, unlike other oils, coconut oil does not become rancid. Coconut oil and Argan oil-based lip balms and lip creams can also be used for the care of the lips.

The lips, like the eyes, add character to the face. They are the focus of attention when we speak. The lips also add balance to the face, along with other facial features like the eyes and the nose. 

Protect Lips In Winter With Argan Oil & Coconut Oil

Aizawl/Agartala (The Hawk): Arecanut farmers in the northeastern states, particularly Mizoram and Tripura, are greatly impacted by large-scale smuggling from Myanmar and limitations imposed by the Assam government and are asking for federal assistance.
With the security forces, particularly the Assam Rifles, frequently collecting thousands of tonnes of the product, along with drugs, rare animals, and other products smuggled in from Myanmar, the criminal trade of arecanut, also known as betel nut or "supari," is on the rise.
The Assam government recently established some tough limitations to ferry arecanut through its territory in an effort to stop the illegal trade, which prevented farmers in Tripura and Mizoram from exporting their goods to other regions of India.
The arecanut transportation problem was reviewed by the Mizoram Church Leaders Committee members with Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs John Barla on Monday in Aizawl.
The church leaders described how Assam has imposed a prohibition on exporting locally grown arecanut from Mizoram as a result of the widespread smuggling of dried arecanut from Myanmar through Mizoram.
They asked Barla to help them solve this problem.
The Mizoram delegation, led by state Home Minister Lalchamliana, informed the Assam government during recent meetings on the inter-state border disputes in Aizawl and Guwahati that there has been significant unrest among the state's arecanut growers due to issues with the transportation of their produce to Assam and other regions of the country.
Lalrindika Ralte, a legislator and leader of the Congress party, recently requested the help of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the issues that arecanut growers in Mizoram are having as a result of the widespread smuggling of Burmese arecanuts.
Ralte claimed in a letter to the prime minister that dry arecanuts from neighbouring Myanmar and other countries had been widely imported illegally via the 518 km of borders with Mizoram.
Although the Assam government put limits in place to limit arecanut imports, law enforcement agents have been unable to distinguish between arecanuts from Burma and those from Mizoram and Tripura, which has caused serious marketing issues for the local farmers.
In the meantime, the Assam government's transportation limitations on Tripura's arecanut growers' produce prompted them to begin an indefinite strike on Monday.
Jampui Hills, which border Mizoram and are noted for their orange production, are also well-known for their extensive arecanut cultivation.
Over 2,000 households who depend on betel nut farming and commerce are suffering as a result of the Assam government's transportation limitations on arecanuts, according to J.D. Mawai, one of the Jampui Hills' arecanut growers.
Recently, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha discussed the matter with his Assam counterpart, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and sent a letter to address the situation.
For the past few months, Assam police officers stationed on Tripura's side of the interstate border have been obstructing deliveries of betel nuts transported by trucks for no apparent reason.
The Assam police's actions have made it difficult for Tripura's betel nut farmers to make a living.
(Inputs from Agencies)

Arecanut farmers in the northeastern states, particularly Mizoram and Tripura, are greatly impacted by large-scale smuggling from Myanmar and limitations imposed by the Assam government and are asking for federal assistance.

Assam government restrictions on arecanut trade in NE states are caused by smuggling from Myanmar

Ithaca (New York): According to research, inexpensive, small fish species captured in lakes and seas in underdeveloped nations may help fill nutritional gaps for undernourished individuals, especially young children.
The study, "Small Pelagic Fish Supply Abundant and Affordable Micronutrients to Low- and Middle-Income Countries," was published in Nature Food.
The researchers found that fish such as herring, sardines and anchovies - known as pelagic fish, meaning they inhabit upper layers of open sea - were the cheapest nutritious fish in 72% percent of the countries.
They also found targeting small pelagic fish could help close nutrient gaps in sub-Saharan Africa, where nutrient deficiencies are rising and children under 5 years consume just 38% of recommended seafood intake. While cheap and nutritious, these small fish are also already caught in sufficient numbers. Just 20% of the current small pelagic fish catch could meet the recommended dietary fish intakes for all children under 5 who live near coastlines.
"This study shows that small pelagic fish are relatively affordable, high-quality sources of nutrients," said Kathryn Fiorella, assistant professor in the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health in the College of Veterinary Medicine and a co-author of the study. "This is particularly true within nations where access to small pelagic fish can be a key tool in addressing malnutrition."
Small pelagic fish are rich in selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iron and calcium and are up to twice as affordable as other fish groups. The researchers also found cold-water species that live near the sea floor, such as cod and flounders, were the least affordable.
The researchers used catch, economic and nutrient data on 2,348 fish species to identify the most affordable and nutritious fish in 39 low- and middle-income countries.
The research is part of the Illuminating Hidden Harvests project, through which an international team of researchers and fisheries scientists collected data on catch volumes and economic and nutrient data for over two-thirds of global fisheries catch. The findings will help inform public health and fisheries policies in places where data on fish nutrients are scarce.
The paper was led by James Robinson, a senior research associate at Lancaster University. Fiorella has worked to detail the nutrients available in fish species to assess how people might better utilize certain fish to target micronutrient deficiencies. The fish nutrient data she compiled informed the study.
The study also highlights threats to the supply of these small fish through overfishing, international global demand and animal feed and fish oil industries. Small pelagic fisheries contribute hidden or under-reported environmental, social and economic benefits, making it increasingly important to develop sustainable and equitable policies for managing small-scale fisheries, according to the study. —ANI

According to research, inexpensive, small fish species captured in lakes and seas in underdeveloped nations may help fill nutritional gaps for undernourished individuals, especially young children.

Small Fish Could Help Close Nutritional Gaps For Undernourished People: Study

Washington: Many people who want to limit their meat intake are turning to legume replacements that are high in protein, vitamins, and fibre. Yet, allergies to legumes such as soy and peanuts are both common and deadly. Are patients who are allergic to certain legumes at danger from meat-free proteins made of legumes, even if the legumes are different? Dr Mark Smits and his colleagues at the University Medical Center Utrecht set out to explore.
"Both protein consumption and the world's population are increasing which leads to an urgent demand for sustainable protein sources," said Dr Thuy-My Le, senior author of the study published in Frontiers in Allergy. "An increase in the consumption of legumes may increase the number of allergies to these foods. Furthermore, these new legumes may elicit allergic complaints in already legume-allergic patients. Therefore, we investigated how often sensitization and allergy to different legumes occurs in these patients."
An allergy by any other name
People develop food allergies when their immune systems confuse food proteins with a threat and produce Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Sensitized individuals can, upon re-exposure to the same food, develop symptoms of an allergy. Patients that react to one food may also react to another: this is a co-allergy. Co-allergies are accompanied by co-sensitization, in which patients produce IgE antibodies against several foods. Co-sensitization may be caused by cross-reactivity, where IgE antibodies bind to proteins from multiple foods because the proteins share similar structures.
Co-sensitization can lead to a diagnosed co-allergy, but doesn't always: it's possible for someone to be co-sensitized to a food, but not experience a reaction when they eat it. So, do patients with specific legume allergies react to other legumes?
Smits and colleagues recruited legume-allergic patients from the Allergology Clinic at the University Medical Center Utrecht and split them into six groups according to allergies: peanuts, soybeans, green peas, lupines, lentils, and beans. All patients had allergies validated by an oral food challenge or a positive IgE test combined with a history of reactions. Each different group was tested for IgE antibodies against the other legumes.
"We showed that a large number of patients produced antibodies against more than one legume," said Dr Kitty Verhoeckx, second author of the study. "However, cli nical data showed that only a small part of these patients had actual symptoms."
High co-sensitization rate between legumes, but not always co-allergy
All six patient groups showed co-sensitization to additional legumes, and almost a quarter of patients were sensitized to all legumes. Nearly all the patients in the bean allergy group were sensitized to other legumes. Patients allergic to green peas, lupines, or lentils were also likely to be sensitized to other legumes, while patients with diagnosed allergies to peanuts or soybeans were not.
The team also looked at which of these patients had documented co-allergies for several legumes. The high co-sensitization rate was associated with clinical symptoms in only a relatively small number of patients. In peanut and soybean-allergic patients, co-allergies for green pea, lupine, lentil and bean were uncommon, but patients who had allergies to this second group of legumes were likely to be co-allergic to peanuts or soybeans. Patients with peanut allergies were also often co-allergic to soybeans, and vice versa. Co-sensitization for peanuts was associated with clinically relevant co-allergy in almost all the other legume groups. However, the team cautioned that it will be necessary to expand the study to a larger group and confirm co-allergies with oral food challenges to determine how clinically relevant this co-sensitization is in practice.
"Legumes are an attractive sustainable protein source, but allergic reactions in the already legume-allergic population cannot be excluded as antibodies in the blood of legume-allergic patients frequently react to different legumes," said Le. "However, this reaction does not always lead to a clinically relevant food allergy. Introduction of novel foods into the market should be accompanied by appropriate assessment of the risk of developing (new) food allergies." danger from meat-free proteins made of legumes, even if the legumes are different? Dr. Mark Smits and his colleagues at the University Medical Center Utrecht set out to explore. —ANI

Many people who want to limit their meat intake are turning to legume replacements that are high in protein, vitamins, and fibre. Yet, allergies to legumes such as soy and peanuts are both common and deadly.

Common Meat-Free Proteins Might Trigger Soybean, Peanut Allergies In Some People

New Delhi: Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense, adaptable food that has many positive effects on a dog's health. Pumpkin is a natural superfood that is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and <span style="color: rgb(53,53,53);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: medium;font-family: ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji;">fiber that can assist to improve digestion, immunity, and cognitive function.

We shall examine the several advantages of pumpkin for canine health in this context, including its effects on digestion, brain function, the immune system, and the health of the skin and fur. Knowing pumpkin's health advantages can guide your decision-making when it comes to providing your beloved buddy with a nutritious diet.

Boost Immunity: Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene. These nutrients can help to boost your dog's immune system and protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals. A healthy immune system is important for overall health and can help to prevent illness and disease.

Brain Function: Pumpkin is a good source of essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for brain function and development. These fatty acids can help to improve cognitive function, memory, and learning in dogs.

Skin and Fur Health: Pumpkin is a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for skin and fur health in dogs. Vitamin A helps to promote healthy skin and fur, reduce dryness and itchiness, and prevent skin conditions such as hot spots and dermatitis. Additionally, the high <span style="color: rgb(53,53,53);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: medium;font-family: ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji;">fiber content in pumpkin can help to regulate the digestive system and reduce the risk of skin allergies.

Digestion: Pumpkin is a rich source of <span style="color: rgb(53,53,53);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: medium;font-family: ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji;">fiber, including both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health, as it can help to regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation and diarrhea, and promote healthy gut bacteria. The high water content in pumpkins can also help to hydrate the digestive system and prevent dehydration.

Pumpkins should, however, be introduced gradually and in moderation. Fresh pumpkin is preferable to pumpkin pie filling, which may have added sugars and spices, so stick to simple canned pumpkin instead. IANS

Exploring the health benefits of pumpkin for dog

New Delhi (The Hawk): Joha rice, aromatic rice cultivated in the Northeastern region of India is effective in lowering the blood glucose and preventing diabetes onset and hence is an effective nutraceutical of choice in diabetes management. Joha is a short-grain winter paddy known for its significant aroma and noteworthy taste. The traditional claims are that the consumers of Joha rice have low incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, but these needed scientific validation. Towards that direction, scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology explored the nutraceutical properties of aromatic Joha rice. Rajlakshmi Devi along with Paramita Choudhury in their research explored the nutraceutical properties of aromatic Joha rice. Through in vitro laboratory analysis, they detected two unsaturated fatty acids viz., linoleic acid (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) acid. These essential fatty acids (which human cannot produce) can help maintain various physiological conditions. Omega-3 fatty acid prevents several metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Joha has also proved to be effective in lowering the blood glucose and preventing diabetes onset in diabetic rats. The researchers also found that scented Joha rice has a more balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in comparison to the widely consumed non-scented variety. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) of required by human beings for maintaining the proper diet is around one. They have used this Joha rice to make rice bran oil, a patented product that they claim to be effective in diabetes management. Besides, Joha rice is also rich in several antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolics. Some of the reported bioactive compounds are oryzanol, ferulic acid, tocotrienol, caffeic acid, catechuic acid, gallic acid, tricin, and so on, each with reported antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and cardio-protective effects.

Joha rice, aromatic rice cultivated in the Northeastern region of India is effective in lowering the blood glucose

Joha Rice—The Nutraceutical Of Choice In Diabetes Management

New Delhi (The Hawk): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote use of millets and healthy eating practices among the Armed Forces and ensure availability of safe &amp; nutritious food was signed in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Health &amp; Family Welfare (MoHFW) Dr Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi on July 13, 2023. Both Ministers also unveiled a book titled ‘Healthy Recipes for Defence’ to promote the consumption of Shree Anna (millets) and its health benefits. The MoU was signed by Director General (Supplies and Transport) Lieutenant General Preet Mohindera Singh on behalf of Ministry of Defence (MoD) and CEO, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao. It aims to create awareness about the nutritional benefits of diet diversity and millet-based food products among the personnel. The MoU will also pave the way for the introduction of millet-based menus in mess, canteens and other food outlets under the MoD. This collaboration will also ensure training of food handlers &amp; chefs of mess, canteens of the Armed Forces and other food outlets on food safety and hygiene as per the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. It signifies a shared commitment to the health and well-being of the Armed Forces to enable them to remain strong &amp; resilient in their service to the nation. The MoU will also encourage the families of the Armed Forces and the community at large to adopt nutritious diets, make healthy food choices and maintain food safety. The book ‘Healthy Recipes for Defence’, developed by FSSAI, includes a range of millet-based dishes. It will serve as a valuable resource for different canteens and food outlets under the MoD. Given the challenging terrains and varied climatic conditions faced by the defence personnel, the significance of variety in diet assumes great importance. Millets are known for their nutritional value and can contribute to a well-balanced and diverse diet. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, Health Secretary Shri Rajesh Bhushan and other senior officials of MoD &amp; MoHFW were present on the occasion.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote use of millets and healthy eating practices among the Armed Forces 

MoD & FSSAI Sign MoU To Promote Use Of Millets & Healthy Eating Practices Among Armed Forces And Ensure Safe & Nutritious Food

New Delhi: The 'Ayushman Bhav' programme is being developed by the Union health ministry with the goal of maximising the reach of all government-funded health programmes to their target recipients. Official sources informed that the schedule will include events like the Ayushman Apke Dwar 3.0, the Ayushman Sabha, the Ayushman Mela, and the Ayushman Gramme.
An official source has stated that "the aim of the campaign is to ensure comprehensive and saturation coverage of all health schemes so that every eligible beneficiary is able to avail their benefits." Both of the Ayushman Apke Dwar 1 and 2 campaigns were fruitful. Sources say that beginning on August 1, an all-out effort will be made under Ayushman Apke Dwar 3.0 to guarantee complete saturation.
They claimed that Ayushman Sabha, a campaign to guarantee that the benefits of all health initiatives of the national and state governments reach the intended recipients, will be led by the village health, sanitation, and nutrition committee.—Inputs from Agencies

The 'Ayushman Bhav' programme is being developed by the Union  with the goal of maximising the reach of all government-funded health programmes to their target recipients.

Govt to launch Ayushman Bhav prog to achieve 100% coverage of health schemes

The 'Ayushman Bhav' programme is being developed by the Union health ministry with the goal of maximising the reach of all government-funded health programmes to their target recipients.

Washington: More people are consuming plant-based milk substitutes such as oats, soy, and almonds, but do plant-based products provide the same nutrition as cow's milk? According to the findings of a new survey, the majority do not. Cow’s milk is an important source of calcium and vitamin D, both of which are identified in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans as nutrients of public health concern for underconsumption. Cow’s milk is also a major source of protein in the American diet. To assess how the nutritional content of plant-based milk alternatives compares to that of cow’s milk, researchers examined more than 200 plant-based milk alternative products being sold in the U.S. in 2023 — many more products than were included in previous studies. Compared to cow’s milk, only 12% of the milk alternative products contained comparable or greater amounts of all three nutrients studied: calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Abigail Johnson, assistant professor and associate director of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health Nutrition Coordinating Center, will present the findings at NUTRITION 2023, the annual flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition held July 22-25 in Boston. “Our results provide evidence that many plant-based milk alternatives are not nutritionally equivalent to cow’s milk,” said Johnson. “Based on these findings, consumers should look for plant-based milk alternative products that list calcium and vitamin D as ingredients. They may also want to consider adding other sources of calcium and vitamin D to their diets.” The University of Minnesota’s Nutrition Coordinating Center maintains a database of approximately 19,000 foods for assessing dietary intake in human research. “We know from our dietary assessments for nutrition studies that consumers are choosing more plant-based milk alternatives,” said Johnson. “This project aimed to increase the number of these milk alternatives available in the Nutrition Coordinating Center's database of foods.” The study included nutrition information from nutrition facts labels and ingredient information for 233 plant-based milk alternative products from 23 different manufacturers. For each product, the researchers applied a nutrient calculation program to estimate full nutrient information. They then compared the nutritional content of different products within a category — for example, almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk — to each other and to cow's milk. Compared to dairy milk, just 28 of the plant-based alternatives had similar or more calcium, vitamin D and protein. Almost two-thirds of the products included in the study were made from almonds, oats, or soy. The researchers found that 170 of the plant-based milk alternatives were fortified with both calcium and vitamin D and that the level of fortification tended to be similar to dairy milk. Specifically, 76% of the oat-based products, 69% of soy-based, and 66% of almond-based alternatives were fortified with both calcium and vitamin D. The median protein content was 2.0 grams (g) of protein per 240 milliliters (ml) of liquid, with a large variability that ranged from 0 to 12 g. Only 38 (16%) of the milk alternatives studied had a protein level greater than or equal to the 8 g per 240 ml found in cow’s milk. Soy- and pea-based alternatives were more likely to have higher protein. “Our findings point to a need to ensure that consumers are aware that many plant-based milk alternative products in the marketplace today are not nutritionally equivalent to cow’s milk,” said Johnson. “Product labeling requirements and dietary guidance to the public are among the approaches that may be helpful in alerting and educating consumers.” Next, the researchers plan to explore other nutrients in plant-based milk alternatives that make them different from cow’s milk. For example, many of these products contain fiber, suggesting that they may help meet some nutritional needs that cow’s milk doesn’t. —ANI

More people are consuming plant-based milk substitutes such as oats, soy, and almonds

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Ability To Utilize Energy Of Various Nutrients Can Be Affected By Genetic Differences: Study

Inam Ansari

Tag : nut

Ability To Utilize Energy Of Various Nutrients Can Be Affected By Genetic Differences: Study

Inam Ansari

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