Even home-made foods can be unhealthy, according to ICMR; here’s what you should keep in mind.

Home-cooked meals are often seen as a healthier option compared to eating out. However, according to the latest dietary guidelines by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), these meals can still be unhealthy if they are made with too much fat, sugar, or salt. It mentions, “Even home-made foods may become unhealthy if prepared with high fat, high sugar or salt.”

How can home-cooked food become unhealthy?

High fat foods and high sugar foods, the guidlines state, are energy dense (high calorie foods and poor in vitamins, minerals and fibre. “Regular consumption of these foods not only causes overweight and obesity but also deprives one from taking healthy foods that provide essential macronutrients (amino acids and fats), fibre and micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, bio-active substances (sic).”

It’s important to be aware of our cooking habits to ensure we’re preparing nutritious meals. Ipsita Chakraborty, senior nutritionist at Hungry Koala says there are a few mistakes people in India make while cooking. “Essential fatty acids are necessary for good health, but using vegetable oil can increase the intake of harmful fats, which should be limited. Traditional cooking methods like deep-frying or using oil-based tadka often have a negative impact as well.”

Surprisingly, besides sweets, she adds that some significant sources of sugar consumption are the food products we buy from stores. Items like juices and cereals, often considered healthy, can also be high in sugar.

Indian food is particularly known for its excessive use of salt. Chakraborty agrees that many people rely on table salt for both spice and flavour, which leads to increased sodium intake.



Sources - https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/food-wine/home-cooked-food-meal-diet-icmr-dietary-guidelines-india-9338511/lite/