What Indian women should really eat: 16 diet myths busted by experts

Summary

From ghee and rice to protein and detoxes, experts debunk common diet myths that often mislead Indian women about weight loss, hormones, and health

Source: Business Standard

(0)

AI News Q&A (Free Content)

This content is freely available. No login required. Disclaimer: Following content is AI generated from various sources including those identified below. Always check for accuracy. No content here is an advice. Please use the contact button to share feedback about any inaccurate content generated by AI. We sincerely appreciate your help in this regard.

Q1: What are the most common nutritional deficiencies affecting Indian women, and what symptoms do they typically present?

A1: The most common nutritional deficiencies among Indian women include iron, vitamin B12, and biotin deficiencies. Vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest as fatigue, headaches, mouth ulcers, breathlessness, pallor, neurological symptoms, and even temporary infertility if untreated. Iron deficiency often results in anemia, fatigue, and reduced immunity. Biotin deficiency is rare but can lead to skin rashes, hair thinning, and neurological issues if untreated. These deficiencies are often due to malabsorption, dietary restrictions, and increased physiological needs, particularly during pregnancy and lactation.

Q2: How do cultural dietary myths related to foods like ghee, rice, and protein impact the nutritional status of Indian women?

A2: Dietary myths, such as avoiding ghee and rice or limiting protein, can negatively affect Indian women’s nutrition by leading to insufficient intake of essential macronutrients and micronutrients. Experts advise that moderate consumption of ghee and rice provides necessary fats and carbohydrates, while adequate protein is crucial for muscle maintenance and hormone health. Eliminating these foods without evidence-based reasons can increase the risk of deficiencies, especially in populations already susceptible to malnutrition.

Q3: What does recent research reveal about the relationship between economic downturns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and nutritional health disparities among Indian women?

A3: Recent studies indicate that economic downturns, including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, have intensified nutritional health disparities among Indian women. Women from low-income and marginalized groups reported reduced access to healthy foods and increased reliance on less nutritious options due to budget constraints, resulting in deteriorating dietary quality. The pandemic exacerbated pre-existing inequalities, highlighting the need for targeted nutritional and economic interventions to support vulnerable women.

Q4: How does women's participation in agricultural work influence their own nutritional outcomes, according to the latest systematic reviews?

A4: Systematic reviews have found that while women's increased involvement in agriculture can boost household dietary diversity and income, it also raises time burdens that may compromise food preparation, childcare, and self-care. Positive nutritional outcomes are more likely when interventions improve women's decision-making power and access to time-saving technologies. Conversely, excessive workloads can result in negative consequences for women's energy balance and overall nutrition.

Q5: What are the main risk factors for fragility fractures among Indian women, and how are these linked to nutritional status?

A5: Fragility fractures in Indian women are primarily associated with osteoporosis, which is closely linked to deficiencies of calcium, vitamin D, and overall poor nutrition. Additional risk factors include advanced age, hormonal changes post-menopause, chronic illnesses, and certain medications. Nutritional interventions that ensure adequate intake of bone-supporting nutrients, combined with lifestyle modifications, are key to reducing the incidence of such fractures.

Q6: What role do dietary supplements play in preventing and treating common nutritional deficiencies in Indian women, and what are the current recommendations?

A6: Dietary supplements, especially of vitamin B12, iron, and calcium, are recommended for Indian women at risk of deficiencies due to dietary restrictions, malabsorption, or increased physiological needs. For example, vitamin B12 supplements are advised for vegetarians and pregnant women, as deficiency can have serious health implications. Supplements are considered safe and effective when used according to medical guidance and can prevent long-term complications associated with deficiencies.

Q7: How can gender-sensitive and nutrition-sensitive interventions in agriculture be designed to improve nutritional outcomes for Indian women without increasing their workload?

A7: Gender-sensitive and nutrition-sensitive agricultural interventions should focus on enhancing women’s decision-making power, ensuring equitable resource access, and introducing time-saving technologies. Effective programs integrate gender equity, time efficiency, and nutritional objectives, aiming to boost household nutrition without overburdening women with additional responsibilities. Such interventions must be context-specific, considering local social norms and resource constraints, to achieve sustainable improvements in women’s nutrition.

References:

Vitamin B12 deficiency - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_B12_deficiency
Biotin deficiency - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biotin_deficiency
Fragility Fracture: 10 Commandments (2025): https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43465-025-00789-3