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 September 1 to 30. It provides a forum to address nutrition issues, educate, empower and involve people and communities in making better eating choices. Therefore, a balanced diet of nutrient-dense foods like almonds, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes and more is crucial for optimal health. Almonds contain 15 key nutrients including vitamin E, magnesium, protein, zinc, potassium and fiber, all of which help maintain overall well-being.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) recently issued dietary guidelines for Indians, recognizing almonds as a nut that should be consumed daily for good health. Eating almonds daily contributes to several health benefits such as weight management, improving heart health and controlling blood sugar levels.
Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan, known for her fitness routine and exercises, says, “I scrupulously follow healthy eating habits and try to consciously control my nutrient intake as it is essential to maintain good health. I like to plan my meals well in advance to include nutrient-rich foods in every meal. Even when I am out for a shoot or an interview, I make sure to carry healthy snacks like a box of almonds as they keep me full for longer. Munching on a handful of almonds also helps me meet some of my daily nutrient requirements. So, this National Nutrition Month, let’s adopt healthy eating habits and strive to include nutrient-rich foods like almonds in our diet.”
Commenting on National Nutrition Month, Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head of Dietetics, Max Healthcare, Delhi, said, “Consumption of junk food and HFSS (high in fat, sugar and salt) products is increasing due to easy availability and hectic lifestyle and as a result, the number of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart problems and obesity is also increasing. Therefore, I always recommend choosing the foods carefully and switching to healthy alternatives in a balanced diet to get the many nutrients we need on a daily basis. For optimal health, it is important to include foods like almonds in your diet as they offer various health benefits such as weight management, reduction of harmful cholesterol and blood sugar levels and can help maintain and improve overall health.”
Nutrition and wellness consultant Sheela Krishnaswamy said, “In India, a lack of understanding about the importance of intake of essential nutrients has contributed significantly to the rise in various diseases. Hence, we need to consume a variety of foods that are a natural source of nutrients, such as almonds. Even the recent guidelines of ICMR-NIN recommend regular consumption of nuts like almonds as part of a healthy diet. Moreover, research studies suggest that almonds can also play a positive role in overall dietary habits, benefiting people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Hence, it is good to include foods like almonds in your daily diet as a simple yet effective step towards a healthier lifestyle.”
Fitness Master Pilates Trainer Yasmin Karachiwala said, “A balanced, nutritious diet and regular exercise are essential for holistic health. In addition to regular exercise, I strongly advise my clients to avoid packaged or highly processed foods and focus on natural alternatives like almonds. I rely on almonds as part of my daily diet because of their rich nutrient profile. They are an excellent source of protein and an important part of my post-workout routine. Since almonds are versatile, they can be consumed in different forms without losing their nutritional benefits, so it’s a good idea to always have a box of almonds with you.”
MBBS and nutritionist Dr Rohini Patil said, “This National Nutrition Month, I urge everyone to take their health seriously and be conscious of the food they eat. Given today’s fickle lifestyle and the health issues that result from it, we cannot afford to ignore the importance of eating nutrient-rich foods. Keeping this in mind, I always recommend my patients to include foods like almonds in some form in their diet. Almonds are not only delicious but are also packed with nutrients and help maintain heart health and blood sugar levels when included in a balanced diet. By giving preference to such nutritious options, you can improve your overall health to a great extent.”
Skin expert and beautician Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta said, “Healthy skin starts from within and your diet plays a crucial role in achieving good skin health. Including nutrient-rich foods like almonds in your daily routine can make a significant difference. Eating a handful of almonds daily along with fruits and vegetables can help naturally boost your skin’s resistance to UV rays. Moreover, almonds contain antioxidants, vitamin E and healthy fats that nourish the skin from within and give it a radiant look.”
South Indian actress Vani Bhojan said, “Juggling a demanding career and personal life can be quite challenging, but putting health first is essential. I am a strong believer in self-care and one of the best ways to practice it is to nourish the body with the right kind of food. Incorporating nutrient-rich foods like almonds into my daily routine has made a noticeable difference in my overall well-being. I love snacking on almonds and always carry a box with me wherever I go. Following this practice has been extremely beneficial for my health and I encourage everyone to make similar choices to avoid unhealthy food options.
This National Nutrition Month, let’s remember how important nutrition is to overall well-being. By making conscious choices, you can significantly improve your nutrition and vitality, paving the way to a healthier life.
