Latest news with #DepartmentofNutritionandDietetics
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics conducts world food safety day at Mysuru's JSS college for Women
MYSURU: The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Life Sciences, JSS AHER of the city conducted World Food Safety Day on Tuesday at JSS College for Women, Saraswathipuram. The theme of the event was 'Food Safety: Science in Action.' Raveesha KA, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences in his inaugural address emphasized the importance of food safety during adolescence and highlighted the effects of endocrine disruptors on women's health. Faculty experts, including Anees Fathima Z, Vanitha Reddy P, Syeda Farha S, and Navya Raj MP, delivered sessions on food labels, hidden ingredients, and safe eating practices. You Can Also Check: Mysuru AQI | Weather in Mysuru | Bank Holidays in Mysuru | Public Holidays in Mysuru The programme also featured interactive quizzes, pick-and-speak activities, and live demonstrations on food adulteration, labelling, hygiene, and smart food choices, making it both informative and engaging.
The Hindu
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Orientation programme for women entrepreneurs on millet-based food ventures
A three-day training-cum-workshop on running millets-based food ventures, organised by the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College (SRC) was inaugurated in Tiruchi on Wednesday. Over 30 women from various walks of life signed up for the June 11-13 programme that was inaugurated by P. Rajappan, president, Tiruchi District Tiny and Small Scale Industries Association (TIDITSSIA). R. Bhargavi, chairperson, MPR Foods, and college principal M.V. Alli were present. The programme is financially supported by Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology under the Dissemination of Innovative Technology scheme, and is aimed at empowering women from rural self-help groups, farmers, unemployed youth, and students with knowledge and practical skills in millet processing, product development, and entrepreneurship. In his inaugural address on financial support systems and micro loans, Mr. Raja briefed the participants on the finer details of running a food enterprise, from seeking bank loans and selection of machinery, to selling the products. 'Very often, a lack of advertising and marketing affects small ventures. Aspiring entrepreneurs must learn about their product thoroughly, so that they can answer queries from potential investors and customers confidently,' said Mr. Raja. He advised small businesses against seeking loans without financial preparation for repayment. 'Do not get into business just to avail the grants that are being given with a bank loan. The burden of debt can affect the entire family if you do not repay it on time,' he said. The second session of the day featured a talk by Ms. Bhargavi about processing of millets. An industrial visit to MPR Foods was organised on June 12. V. Kavitha, head and assistant professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietitics, Jamal Mohamed College, and S. Devisri, assistant professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, SRC, will deliver talk on June 13 on emerging trends in millet processing.
Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘Irregular eating patterns, skipping of meals contribute to health issues among adolescents'
With the theme of World Health Day being 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures', Dr Sonia Gandhi, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, says that poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle are the leading causes of rising NCDs (non-communicable diseases) among children and adolescents. Gandhi said that children with poor eating habits often fail to receive the essential nutrients required for their healthy growth and development. 'In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in health problems among young people, largely attributed to unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. Research highlights that these factors significantly contribute to obesity, polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), cardiovascular diseases, insulin sensitivity, compromised gut health, weak immune system, metabolic disorders, allergy reactions, and poor overall physical and mental health. These diseases occur due to a lot of essential deficiencies and excess intake of empty calories, harmful additives and chemicals,' she said. Gandhi added, 'Children with poor eating habits don't get the amounts of nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. This can lead to being underweight or overweight. Children who are poorly nourished tend to have weaker immune systems, which increases their chances of illness also'. Highlighting dietary trends among young people, the dietician pointed out the increasing intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and nutrient-poor meals. 'The lack of a balanced, varied diet — rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats — has a direct impact on children's health. Irregular eating patterns and frequent meal skipping also contribute to obesity and other health issues among adolescents,' she added. Gandhi also raised concerns about the rapid increase in screen time, adding that excessive use of televisions, computers, and smartphones has been linked not only to inactivity but also to poor dietary behaviours. These include mindless snacking, overeating, and a reduced intake of nutritious food. Research has shown that prolonged sedentary behaviour contributes to weight gain and increases the risk of cardio-metabolic diseases, even when dietary intake is controlled. Several socio-environmental factors contribute to these unhealthy trends, according to Gandhi, and these include academic pressure, popularity of online food delivery platforms, persuasive advertising of junk food, limited access to safe recreational spaces, and shifting taste preferences. 'Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach. From building child-friendly environments and reducing screen exposure to promoting physical activity and nutrition education, each step is crucial. It's time for parents, educators, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to work together to promote healthier lifestyles among our youth'. Gandhi reiterated the importance of early lifestyle interventions, emphasising that encouraging nutritious eating habits, regular physical activity and mindful living from a young age can transform health trajectories and ensure better outcomes for the next generation,' she said. To raise awareness among youth about the importance of healthy living and preventing non-communicable diseases through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC), New Chandigarh, is reaching out to school students across Chandigarh, as part of the programme, 'Swasth Navyuva Swasth Bharat'. Having reached out to more than 200 schools and over 20,000 students, Dr Vandita Pahwa, head, Department of Preventive Oncology, HBCHRC, says the major focus includes prevention of chronic diseases, awareness of habits to enhance a healthy lifestyle for children, positive mental health, addiction prevention, importance of physical activity, and a healthy lifestyle. Breaking the tobacco trap, alcohol awareness, a balanced diet, active living, and menstrual hygiene are some of the central points of the initiative. Pahwa emphasises that overweight and obesity are major risk factors for many cancer types and account for much of the impact of diet. A dietary pattern that focuses on abundant intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains rather than refined grains, and low intake of red meat and processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, and salt will reduce the risk of cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and overall mortality, she says. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains are naturally rich in vitamins, phytochemicals, and dietary fibre — constituents that are thought to inhibit carcinogenesis (the initiation of cancer). Data from the previous three years from the PGIMER shows that 13-15 per cent of women who suffered from cardiovascular diseases were less than 50 years of age. A recent study, as highlighted by Dr Neelam Dahiya, assistant professor, Department of Cardiology, PGIMER, suggests 44 per cent of women who suffered cardiovascular disease were obese and only one per cent of them had adequate fruits and vegetables intake in their daily diet.
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
With sports becoming a profession, youngsters should look for opportunities: Javagal Srinath
With sports gradually turning into a profession in India, youngsters should look for career opportunities in the field, said former international cricketer Javagal Srinath. Participating as a chief guest at the inauguration of a two-day national workshop on 'An integrated approach to athletic performance through nutrition, gut health, psychology, rehabilitation and anti-doping awareness' organized by the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at JSSAHER's School of Life Sciences in Mysuru on May 26, Mr. Srinath recalled that information on training, nutrition, psychology was not as easily available when he was a cricketer in the earlier '90s. 'People used to hide information,' he said while claiming that they did not have any information about the training programmes for sports in the United States, England, Australia. 'We did not know what type of training was given for cricketers, more specifically for bowlers, in Australia, which has a sporting culture,' he said. Training for sports in India, which did not have a sporting culture, was 'incomparable' to the training in Australia, he said. While sportspersons like him in India were only practising on the field, besides lifting weights in the gym, their counterparts in other countries were undergoing advanced and in-depth training programmes, he said. However, with the facilities, opportunities and infrastructure for sports presently available for sports in the country, Indians can now aim for the top. Underscoring the importance of nutrition, Mr. Srinath said sports professionals should be able to guide aspiring sportspersons on what would go wrong if one messes up with nutrition, which is key for performance. Mr. Srinath cited the example of leading cricketer Virat Kohli, who he said watches 'every morsel of food he consumes' and 'its calories' based on whether it would slow him down or help him do better on the field. 'We should look up to such people,' he said. Mr. Srinath also emphasised the importance of psychology for every facet of life, including the performance of a sportsperson. Dr. Raveesha K. A., Dean of Faculty of Life Sciences, JSSAHER, said the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics was starting MSc programme in Sports Nutrition and Management at a time when India is aiming to host Olympics. Such facilities will help create supporting ancillary facilities to ensure there is sufficient manpower to hold such events. The two-day workshop will promote efforts to improve athletic performance of an individual through nutrition and other facets, like psychology, rehabilitation and anti-doping awareness, he said. He pointed out that it is not enough to provide proteins and other nutrients to an individual. It is equally important to customise it to an individual's physiology and biochemistry, as everybody does not come from the same genetic background. 'People come from different genetic backgrounds, cultures, food habits,' he said.
Indian Express
16-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Can inflammation be reversed with diet? Here's why ghee, jamun and blueberries are what you need
Mumbai-based Shirish, a 45-year-old entrepreneur, didn't know what was causing his itchy rashes, stomach ache, pain in the feet and low-grade fever. Being overweight, he had prediabetes and hypertension but nothing was alarming to cause these symptoms. That's when Khushboo Jain Tibrewala, diabetes nutritionist and inflammation specialist, asked him to take the Immunoglobulin E (IgE) test to identify allergies through the presence of antibodies in the bloodstream. He had elevated IgE levels, suggesting his body was overreacting to allergens or fighting off an infection, both of which can trigger inflammation. 'In his case, it had become chronic. We decided to lower it through his diet,' she says. While inflammation is the body's natural defence mechanism against injury or infection, chronic inflammation is a low-grade, persistent state that can silently affect our tissues and organs over time. 'In its acute form, it helps heal wounds and fight pathogens. But when inflammation becomes chronic, it can harm rather than heal. It has been linked to a wide range of health conditions, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, skin conditions like eczema, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. This accelerates disease,' says Dr Sonia Gandhi, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Fortis Hospital, Mohali. Certain foods are known to combat inflammation, while others may worsen it. 'Anti-inflammatory foods include fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and fibre, fatty fish such as salmon and sardines with high levels of Omega-3, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, olive oil and spices such as turmeric and ginger,' shares Dr Gandhi. For Shirish, Tibrewala eliminated refined oils, maida, processed meats, eggs, nuts, gluten and nightshade vegetables (those which grow in the shade and night, including tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, bell peppers). 'Nightshade vegetables are nutrient-rich but they contain lectins, which are proteins that can interfere with nutrient absorption and potentially cause inflammation in those already affected. So, we focussed on whole, unprocessed foods, rich in anti-inflammatory properties,' says Tibreswala. After four weeks, Shirish's fevers stopped. His gut health improved and his rashes vanished. Both blood pressure and blood sugar levels returned to normal ranges. The team tested levels of C-reactive protein, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, and found them to be low. Use natural fats instead of processed oils. 'Add cashew paste, of course in moderation, to curries instead of oil or butter. Mix sesame (til) paste into thepla or roti dough to cut down oil use,' says Tibrewala. Make your plate colourful. Natural pigments in food act like antioxidants and suppress inflammation, including black foods like jamun, black gram, black soybean, karonda and blueberries. Include orange foods like carrots, pumpkin, papaya, rich in beta-carotene. 'Start your day with a teaspoon of ghee as it helps repair the gut lining and improve digestion. Include black seeds (kalonji) or its oil in meals as it is an anti-inflammatory ingredient,' says Tibrewala. According to her, one must avoid grains and meat after sunset, have an early dinner, reduce gluten and replace all refined and processed food with home-cooked meals. Of course, diet would be of no use without physical activity that releases anti-inflammatory compounds and helps regulate body weight.
