Gujarat sees sharp rise in fat consumption: NSS Report
The report states that urban residents in Gujarat consumed 89.3g of fat per person per day in 2023–24, up from 68.5g in 2009–10, an increase of 20.8g. This is among the highest across major Indian states, with only Sikkim (112.1g), Chandigarh (101.1g), and Ladakh (91.8g) surpassing Gujarat. Nationally, the average rise in fat consumption in urban areas during this period was 16.8g.
In contrast, the increase in protein intake was far more modest. The average daily protein consumption in urban Gujarat rose from 56.4g in 2009–10 to 59.4g in 2023–24, an increase of just 3g. This is slightly lower than the national average increase of 4.6g over the same period.
On the calorie front, Gujarat presented a mixed picture. In rural areas, the average daily calorie intake stood at 2,105 kilo calories (Kcal), below the national rural average of 2,212 Kcal. However, in urban areas, the state's average was 2,310 Kcal, higher than the national urban average of 2,240 Kcal.
The NSS report also highlighted the primary sources of protein in Gujarat's diet. Cereals remain the largest contributor, providing 47.3% of protein in rural areas and 40.4% in urban areas.
This is followed by milk and milk products (15% rural, 16.3% urban), and pulses (10.6% rural, 11.2% urban). Animal-based proteins—fish, meat, and eggs—made up just 3.6% of protein intake in both segments, with the remainder coming from other sources.
Speaking on the findings, Shruti Bhardwaj, chief clinical nutritionist at Zydus Hospital, said that while the rise in calorie and protein intake is encouraging, there's scope for improvement. "Fat, protein, and carbohydrates are all essential macronutrients. The key is maintaining the right balance for optimal body function," she said.
Bhardwaj noted that individual nutritional needs vary depending on age, gender, occupation, and lifestyle. "For instance, a sedentary IT professional may require only 1,600 Kcal daily, not the 2,000 Kcal often recommended. Similarly, while 1 gram of protein per kg of body weight has been the norm, newer studies suggest that 0.8 grams per kg may suffice for most adults," she added.
She also emphasized the importance of dietary innovation to meet nutritional needs. "Simple changes like adding protein-rich ingredients to chapati flour can help meet daily requirements without relying on supplements," she said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
39 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Reliance Retail to bring FACEGYM to India, makes minority investment in co
Reliance Retail Ventures on Thursday announced a strategic minority investment in UK-based FACEGYM, a global facial fitness and skincare company, and will also bring it to India. 'This marks a pivotal step in RRVL's continued expansion in the high-growth beauty and wellness space,' the company said in a release. Founded by wellness entrepreneur Inge Theron, FACEGYM offers non-invasive facial workouts with skincare formulations. 'Through this partnership, Reliance Retail's Tira will spearhead FACEGYM's foray into India – leading its local operations and market development, and bringing the brand's innovative concept to the Indian consumer,' Reliance Retail Ventures said in its release. Reliance will establish and scale FACEGYM's presence in India over the next five years, through a mix of standalone studios and curated spaces within select Tira stores across key cities. Commenting on the partnership, Bhakti Modi, Co-founder & CEO of Tira, said, 'At Reliance Retail, our commitment is to introduce world-class brands and innovative concepts and experiences to the Indian consumer. FACEGYM sits at the unique intersection of beauty, wellness, and fitness – creating a category of its own. This aligns perfectly with the discerning beauty consumer in India, who is experience-oriented and increasingly drawn to science-backed, innovative concepts. We welcome FACEGYM to our portfolio and to India, and are excited to unlock its immense growth potential in this dynamic market.'
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Understanding India's nutritional adequacy
Jul 03, 2025 08:34 PM IST Nutritional adequacy underpins an economy's growth to a significant extent. In this context, the latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey provides data on nutritional intake that should prompt policymakers to bridge gaps. Despite a shrinking gap between the top and bottom fractiles over the past decade, problems of access, nutrient balancing, efficient targeting and delivery need urgent solutions (HT Photo) First, the calorie consumption at the lowest fractile of India's economic classes (the bottom 5% of the population by expenditure) remains significantly below what is considered ideal for Indian adults. At 1,688 kilocalories (kCal) a day in rural areas and 1,696 kCal in urban areas, the average intake falls short of the recommended daily intake of 2,500 kCal by close to a third. Even as governments — both the Centre and the states — try to ensure adequate intake through support programmes including the public distribution system, several other factors are in play. Problems of access, nutrient balancing, efficient targeting and delivery need urgent solutions. That said, the trend of a shrinking gap between the top and bottom fractiles over the past decade is heartening. Second, the recent trend of diversification of households' nutritional basket holds strong. Though cereals continue to be the single-largest source of protein for households, their share in the overall protein pie is falling, with households turning to pulses, dairy and meat/fish/poultry. That is welcome, given it indicates rising spending on nutritional balance — with commensurate imprints on human health. As non-communicable diseases start to define India's morbidity picture, it is necessary to get the nutritional mix and diet basket right. Third, as the data is parsed for regional patterns, a more comprehensive picture of deficits is likely to emerge, not always fitting neatly with economic conditions. There will be sociocultural factors at play that need to be understood and factored in as the State moves to tweak policies. Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! -Login Now!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Can drinking Jamun-Karela Juice reverse diabetes? How to make it at home
Jamun (Indian blackberry) and karela (bitter gourd) are two traditional ingredients widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for managing blood sugar levels. When combined as a juice, they form a powerful drink believed to help control diabetes. Both are rich in bioactive compounds that target blood glucose regulation, but can they actually reverse diabetes? How Jamun Helps in Diabetes Control Jamun contains jamboline and jambosine, alkaloids that help regulate the conversion of starch into sugar and improve insulin activity. A 2010 study in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine highlighted the anti-diabetic potential of Jamun seeds in lowering blood glucose and oxidative stress in diabetic rats. Its low glycemic index and natural astringent quality further support its traditional use in managing type 2 diabetes. Bitter Gourd's Blood Sugar Benefits Karela is a proven natural hypoglycemic agent. It contains compounds like charantin, vicine, and polypeptide-p, which mimic insulin and help lower blood sugar levels. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology confirmed karela's effectiveness in reducing fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetic patients. The juice of karela is often consumed to support insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose absorption in the intestines. Can This Juice Reverse Diabetes? While Jamun-Karela juice can significantly help manage blood sugar levels, there is no conclusive evidence that it can reverse diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. Reversal requires a comprehensive lifestyle change—diet, exercise, weight management, and sometimes medication. This juice can be a valuable addition to such a regimen but not a standalone cure. Studies support improvement in glycemic control, not complete reversal. Clinical Support and Cautions Clinical trials are ongoing, but available evidence supports the juice as a complementary therapy. A small 2018 study in Ayurveda Journal of Health showed reduced blood glucose and HbA1c levels after 3 months of daily Jamun-Karela juice intake. However, patients must be cautious. Overconsumption can lead to hypoglycemia, especially when combined with diabetic medications. Jamun's slightly sour taste makes it a cooling choice during the rains. It helps digestion, cuts down acidity, and soothes mild bloating. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, its antioxidants and bioactive compounds calm the gut and support overall metabolic balance. How to make this juice To make Karela Jamun juice at home, wash and chop 2 medium-sized bitter gourds (karela), removing the seeds, and soak the pieces in salted water for 15 minutes to reduce bitterness. Wash and deseed about 10–12 fresh jamuns or use 2 tablespoons of jamun pulp or powder. Blend the karela and jamun with 1 to 1½ cups of water until smooth, then strain the juice using a fine sieve. Optionally, add a pinch of black salt and a few drops of lemon juice for taste. Drink fresh on an empty stomach in the morning, and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
