by A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for overall health. To highlight the importance of proper nutrition and healthy eating habits, we celebrate National Nutrition Month from 1 to 30 September. It provides a forum to address nutritional issues, educate and empower people and communities and engage them in making better food choices. Therefore, it is essential to achieve optimal health by practicing a balanced diet with nutrient-dense foods such as almonds, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes and more. Almonds are packed with 15 essential nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, protein, zinc, potassium, and dietary fiber, all of which help maintain overall well-being.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) recently released Dietary Guidelines for Indians that recognize almonds as a nut to eat daily for good health. Eating almonds everyday helps in various health benefits, such as managing weight, improving heart health, and controlling blood sugar levels.
Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan, who is known for her fitness regime and practices, says, “I follow healthy eating habits with enthusiasm and try to deliberately check the nutritional intake as it is vital for good – maintaining health. I like to plan my meals well in advance to include nutrient-rich foods in each meal. Even when I’m out for a shoot or an interview, I make sure I carry a healthy snack like a box of almonds because they keep me full longer, and munching on a handful of almonds also helps me meet some of my daily nutrients. needs. So, this National Nutrition Month, let’s commit to adopting healthy eating practices and try to include nutrient-rich foods like almonds in our diet.”
Commenting on the National Nutrition Month, Regional Head of Dietetics at Max Healthcare, Delhi, Ritika Samaddar said, “Junk and HFSS (high fat, sugar, salt) items are being consumed due to availability and lifestyle fast running. the increase and consequently the incidence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems and obesity are increasing. Therefore, I always recommend making careful food choices and switching to healthy options in a balanced diet to include the many nutrients we need every day. To ensure optimal health, it is important to include foods such as almonds in your diet as they help with various health benefits, such as managing weight, harmful cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and can help with health maintain and improve overall.”
Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, Sheela Krishnaswamy said, “In India, lack of understanding of the importance of consuming essential nutrients has contributed to the rise of various diseases. Therefore, we need to eat a variety of food items that are a natural source of nutrients, such as almonds. Even the recent ICMR-NIN guidelines suggest regular consumption of nuts such as almonds as part of a healthy diet. Not only that, research studies suggest that almonds may also play a positive role in overall dietary patterns, benefiting those with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Therefore, it is good to include foods such as almonds in your daily diet as a simple but effective step towards achieving a healthier lifestyle.”
Fitness Master, Pilates Instructor, Yasmin Karachiwala said, “A balanced, nutritious diet and regular physical activity are essential for holistic health. In addition to regular workouts, I strongly advise my clients to avoid packaged or ultra-processed foods and focus on natural options such as almonds. I rely on almonds as part of my daily diet because of their rich nutrient profile. They are a great source of protein and are a key part of my post-workout regime. Versatile almonds can be consumed in various forms while retaining the nutritional benefits. So, it’s a great idea to carry a box of almonds wherever you go.”
MBBS and Nutritionist, Dr. Rohini Patil, “This National Nutrition Month, I encourage everyone to take their health seriously and be aware of their food choices. With today’s hectic lifestyle and subsequent health concerns, we cannot ignore the importance of eating nutrient-rich foods. Keeping the same in mind, I always recommend my patients to include foods like almonds in their diet in some form or the other. Almonds are not only delicious but also packed with numerous nutrients and help maintain heart health and blood sugar levels when included in a balanced diet, and by prioritizing such nutritional options, you can significantly improve overall.”
Skin Expert and Cosmetologist, Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta said, “Healthy skin starts from within, and your diet plays a key role in achieving good skin health. Incorporating nutritious foods such as almonds into your daily routine can make a significant difference. Consuming a handful of almonds every day along with fruits and vegetables can help boost your skin’s resistance to UV rays naturally. Plus, almonds contain antioxidants, Vitamin E, and healthy fats that nourish the skin from within for that radiant look.”
South Indian actress Vani Bhojan said, “Juggling multiple careers and personal life can be very challenging, but prioritizing health is essential. I’m a firm believer in self-care, and one of the best ways to practice it is to nourish your body with the right kind of food. Incorporating nutrient-dense foods like almonds into my daily routine made a significant difference in my overall well-being. I like to snack on almonds and I always carry a box with me wherever I go. This practice has been extremely beneficial to my health and I encourage everyone to make similar choices to avoid unhealthy food choices.
This National Nutrition Month we are committed to recognizing the vital role nutrition plays in overall well-being. Making mindful choices can go a long way in boosting nutrition and vitality, paving the way for a healthier life.
