A normal Indian diet is deficient in vital nutritious food items such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
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According to a recent poll, most Indians cannot afford a decent dinner, and millions die each year due to diseases connected to poor eating. The report noted that "a nutritious dinner becomes costly if it exceeds 63 percent of a person's income." The typical Indian diet lacks vital nutritional food items such as fruits, vegetables, lentils, and "earnings."
"Seventy-one percent of Indians cannot afford a healthy diet," according to a recent survey by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down to Earth magazine. In comparison, the global average is 42%. "
Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains are generally absent from the ordinary Indian's diet. According to the report, the consumption of seafood, dairy, and red meat is likewise on track, according to Global Nutrition, 2021.
The report identified respiratory illnesses, diabetes, cancer, strokes, and coronary heart disease as the disorders linked to bad eating.
Why can't the majority of Indians afford a nutritious meal?
According to a report released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a nutritious lunch becomes costly if it costs more than 63 percent of a person's salary.
Adults over the age of 20 consume just 35.8g of fruit per day, compared to the necessary 200g, and 168.7g of vegetables per day, compared to the recommended minimum of 300g.
Similarly, they consume just 24.9g of legumes per day (25 percent of the objective) and 3.2g of nuts per day (13 percent of the target).
"Diets aren't becoming any healthier, despite modest advances." Furthermore, they are placing greater demands on the environment, despite the country's terrible hunger levels. " According to the report,
"The tremendous human, environmental, and economic consequences of continuing on our current path are so significant that failure to act will cost us considerably more." It is said that the global food system falls far short of meeting worldwide health and environmental goals.
What effect does inflation have on food prices?
Inflation in the consumer food price index (CFPI) has increased by 327 percent in the last year, while inflation in the consumer price index (CPI), which includes CFPI, has increased by 84 percent.
"Food appears to be the most crucial driver of CPI inflation." Rising production costs, rising international crop prices, and significant weather-related disruptions have contributed to the present high levels of food inflation.
"In reality, our examination of CRISIL data reveals that in March-April 2022, food costs climbed at a more rapid rate in rural areas than in urban areas," stated Richard Mahapatra, managing editor of Down To Earth.