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Cold wave hits north India: How to increase vitamin D intake during foggy days

Cold wave hits north India: How to increase vitamin D intake during foggy days

The capital city and the areas surrounding it are covered with dense fog with people waking up to cloudy mornings at 6 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted a cold wave looming across Delhi and several parts of north India, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh.

With temperatures dropping gradually for the next few days, many people have been experiencing joint pains, swelling and even depression due to lack of sunlight, especially low levels of vitamin D.

Cold wave hits north India: How to increase vitamin D intake during foggy days

Sunlight, more especially ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, is the main source of vitamin D. Skin exposure to sunlight initiates the synthesis of vitamin D. Shorter days and lower temperatures in the cold months can make it harder to spend time outside, which lowers vitamin D levels,” said Dr G Krishna Mohan Reddy, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.

Typically, an adult needs 600 to 800 IUs (international units) of vitamin D each day. These amounts are important. Not enough can lead to serious health issues. In the long term, lack of vitamin D can lead to fragile bones or osteoporosis.

Speaking to India Today. In earlier, Dr Gaurav Prakash Bhardwaj, Director, Sports Injury, Joint Preservation & Replacement Surgery at PSRI Hospital, said that besides bone health, vitamin D makes the muscles strong to protect the lungs, heart and kidneys.

The main sources of vitamin D are one’s diet and the sunlight. While sun exposure helps with vitamin D synthesis in the body, factors like sunblock, clothing and even melanin percentage can affect the amount absorbed by the skin.

How to get vitamin D from the sun in winter?

Dr Karishma Mohan Reddy advised aiming for brief periods of sun exposure on the face, arms, and legs.

“The duration required varies based on factors such as skin type, time of day, and geographic location. Generally, 10 to 30 minutes of sunlight at least twice a week is recommended,” said the expert.

For those spending more time indoors, Dr Reddy added, “Positioning yourself near windows can maximise exposure to natural light. Engage in indoor activities near windows and incorporate exercise into your daily routine.”

Vitamin D and your diet

Diet plays an important role in getting vitamin D as well. Food items such as egg yolks, fortified dairy products, fatty fish (tuna, salmon, and mackerel), and some types of mushrooms are some sources of vitamin D.

“But depending only on dietary sources might not be enough, particularly for people who have restricted diets or limited access to certain foods,” said Dr Reddy, implying that many times supplements can help after consulting a medical professional.

“Supplementation is a viable option to ensure adequate vitamin D intake. Consultation with a healthcare professional is important before starting any supplementation, as individual needs vary. One requires a blood test to assess vitamin D levels, helping tailor the approach to the specific requirements of the individual,” said Dr Reddy.

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​Signs of vitamin D deficiency that are mostly ignored​

​Signs of vitamin D deficiency that are mostly ignored​

​Key facts about the sunshine vitamin​

From maintaining strong bones to supporting the immune system, vitamin D or the sunshine vitamin plays a crucial role in human body. Despite its significance, many people worldwide experience vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to a range of health issues. Unfortunately, many people do not identify the signs of vitamin D deficiency. Here is a list of symptoms exclusively seen when the body does not have sufficient vitamin D to function.

​Signs of vitamin D deficiency that are mostly ignored​

​Slow wound healing​

Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to slow wound healing due to its vital role in the immune system and tissue repair. The vitamin is essential for promoting cell growth and division, crucial elements in the healing process. Insufficient vitamin D levels may impair the body’s ability to combat infections and generate new, healthy tissue, resulting in delayed wound healing. If you notice that your wounds take longer to heal than usual, it could be a sign of vitamin D deficiency.

​Fatigue and weakness​

One of the early signs of vitamin D deficiency is persistent fatigue and weakness. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with fatigue due to its crucial role in energy metabolism. Insufficient levels may lead to feelings of tiredness and weakness. Vitamin D regulates the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells. Inadequate ATP production can contribute to persistent fatigue. Moreover, vitamin D supports muscle function, and its deficiency may result in muscle weakness, further contributing to fatigue. If you often feel tired despite getting adequate rest, it may be worth considering your vitamin D levels.

Frequent illnesses and infections​

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system. If you find yourself falling ill frequently or experiencing prolonged recovery from infections, it could be a sign of deficient vitamin D levels.

​Hair loss​

Although not as well-established as other symptoms, some research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to hair loss. If you notice significant hair thinning or loss, it’s worth considering your overall nutritional status.

Depression and mood disorders​

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to depression and mood disorders, although the relationship is complex and multifactorial. The vitamin plays a role in neurotransmitter synthesis and brain function. Low levels may contribute to an increased risk of mood disturbances. Sunlight exposure, a primary source of vitamin D, also influences serotonin levels, impacting mood regulation.

Bone loss​

Vitamin D is integral to bone health, as it aids in the absorption of calcium, essential for bone strength. Insufficient vitamin D levels can lead to bone loss, weakening the skeletal structure and increasing the risk of conditions like osteoporosis. Without proper vitamin D, the body struggles to utilize calcium effectively, resulting in decreased bone density. Over time, this can lead to brittle bones and an elevated susceptibility to fractures. In more severe cases, vitamin D deficiency can contribute to the development of osteoporosis. This condition makes bones fragile and more prone to fractures.

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Light exercise can be key to reducing childhood obesity linked to inactivity: Study

Light exercise can be key to reducing childhood obesity linked to inactivity

Childhood obesity is directly connected to increased sedentary time as a youngster through puberty, but new research has discovered that mild physical activity can totally reverse the negative trend.

The study, published in Nature Communications, was conducted in collaboration with the Universities of Exeter, Eastern Finland, Bristol, and Colorado, and is the largest and longest follow-up to objectively measure physical activity and fat mass using data from the University of Bristol’s Children of the 90s (also known as the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children). The study comprised 6,059 11-year-old children (53 percent of whom were female) who were followed up on until the age of 24.

Light exercise can be key to reducing childhood obesity linked to inactivity

Recent reports concluded that more than 80 percent of adolescents across the globe do not meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended average of 60 minutes a day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. It is estimated that physical inactivity will have caused 500 million new cases of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, or other noncommunicable diseases by 2030, costing £21-million annually. This alarming forecast regarding the morbid danger of physical inactivity necessitates urgent research on the most effective preventive approach.

Yet results from this new study shows that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is up to ten times less effective than light physical activity in decreasing overall gain in fat mass.

Dr Andrew Agbaje of the University of Exeter led the study and said: “These new findings strongly emphasise that light physical activity may be an unsung hero in preventing fat mass obesity from early life. It is about time the world replaced the mantra of ‘an average of 60 minutes a day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity’ with ‘at least 3 hours a day of light physical activity’. Light physical activity appears to be the antidote to the catastrophic effect of sedentary time in the young population.”

During the study, a waist-worn accelerometer measured sedentary time, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among participants at ages 11, 15, and 24 years. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-measured fat mass and skeletal muscle mass were also collected at the same ages and fasting blood samples were repeatedly measured for glucose, insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. In addition, blood pressure, heart rate, smoking status, socio-economic status, and family history of cardiovascular disease were measured and controlled for in the analyses.

During the 13-year follow-up, sedentary time increased from approximately six hours a day in childhood to nine hours a day in young adulthood. Light physical activity decreased from six hours a day to three hours a day, while moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was relatively stable at around 50 minutes a day from childhood through young adulthood.

It was observed that each minute spent sedentary was associated with a 1.3-gram increase in total body fat mass. Both male and female children gained an average of 10kg of fat mass during growth from childhood until young adulthood. However, sedentary time potentially contributed 700 grams to 1kg of fat mass (approximately seven to ten percent) of the total fat mass gained during growth from childhood until young adulthood. A 1kg increase in fat has been linked to a 60-percent higher risk of premature death in a person’s early 50s.

Each minute spent in light physical activity during growth from childhood through young adulthood was associated with a 3.6-gram reduction in total body fat mass. This implies that cumulative light physical activity decreased total body fat mass by 950 grams to 1.5kg during growth from childhood to young adulthood, (approximately 9.5 to 15 percent decrease in overall gain in fat mass during the 13-year observation period). Examples of light physical activity are long walks, house chores, slow dancing, slow swimming, and slow bicycling.

In contrast, time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity — including meeting the 60 minutes a day recommended by the WHO — during growth from childhood through young adulthood was associated with 70 to 170 grams (approximately 0.7 to 1.7 percent) reduction in total body fat mass. Prior to this study, it has not been possible to quantify the long-term contribution of sedentary time to fat mass obesity and the magnitude by which physical activity may reduce it. But this study confirmed the report from a recent meta-analysis of 140 school-based randomised controlled trials across the globe that engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity had minimal or no effect in reducing childhood BMI-obesity.

Dr Andrew Agbaje of the University of Exeter said: “Our study provides novel information that would be useful in updating future health guidelines and policy statements. Public health experts, health policymakers, health journalists and bloggers, paediatricians, and parents should encourage continued and sustained participation in light physical activity to prevent childhood obesity.”

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Nutrition alert: Here’s what a 100-gram serving of cinnamon contains

Nutrition alert: Here’s what a 100-gram serving of cinnamon contains
Cinnamon sticks and powder, studio shot, wood surface,

Cinnamon, with its warm and aromatic essence, has long been more than just a spice to tantalise our taste buds. Beyond its culinary uses, cinnamon boasts a rich history intertwined with medicinal and cultural significance.

From cinnamon’s unique compounds to its potential health perks, Ekta Singhwal, Dietician, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals explained the nutritional treasures hidden within the fragrant bark of this beloved spice.

Nutrition alert: Here’s what a 100-gram serving of cinnamon contains
Cinnamon sticks and powder, studio shot, wood surface,

Nutritional profile of cinnamon

The nutritional profile of 100 grams of ground cinnamon is as follows:

Calories: 247 kcal
– Carbohydrates: 80.59 grams
– Dietary Fibre: 53.1 grams
– Sugars: 2.17 grams
– Protein: 4 grams
– Fat: 1.24 grams

Health benefits of cinnamon

– Immunity: Cinnamon has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that may contribute to immune system support.

Diabetes Control: Cinnamon has shown promise in improving insulin sensitivity and may help lower blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

– Digestive Health: Cinnamon’s high fibre content can aid in digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and relieving gastrointestinal discomfort.

Heart Health: Cinnamon may have a positive impact on heart health by reducing risk factors like high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

– Anti-inflammatory: Cinnamon contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, potentially beneficial for conditions involving inflammation.

Can diabetics consume cinnamon?

Individuals with diabetes can consume cinnamon. It may help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

Is it beneficial for pregnant women?

Moderate consumption of cinnamon can be beneficial for pregnant women. It does not pose significant risks and may offer some antioxidant benefits. However, excessive intake should be avoided.

Things to keep in mind

  • Be cautious about potential allergies to cinnamon.
  • Monitor sugar intake, as some cinnamon products may contain added sugars.
  • Overconsumption can lead to digestive issues, and individuals on specific medications should consult a doctor.

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Ayurveda: The ache antidote

Ayurveda: The ache antidote

Headaches are a common issue, and when accompanied by symptoms such as severe intolerance to sound, vomiting sensation and throbbing pain, it falls under the category of migraine. Instead of delving into contemporary pathophysiology, let’s explore Ayurvedic insights into the condition and preventive measures.

The spectrum of shirashoola: Ayurveda categorises shirashoola—‘shiras’ means head, and ‘shoola’ refers to ache—into various types based on symptoms, pathophysiology and clinical presentation, such as Vatika shirashoola, Paithika shirasoola, Kaphaja shirashoola, Ardhawa bhedaka, Surya vartha, etc. The severity of headaches varies with the diurnal rhythm, with some peaking in the afternoon (pitta dominance), or after sunset (kapha and vata dominance). Different types of pain, like dull, throbbing, or burning, must be distinguished from other conditions like trigeminal neuralgia and hypertensive headaches.

Relation between headaches and gut: Ayurveda emphasises a direct connection between the head (shiras) and the alimentary tract (koshtam). Chronic constipation can manifest as shiroruk (headache). Therefore, maintaining a clear gut is the primary approach to managing headaches. Proper digestion and assimilation, driven by the agni (metabolic fire) in the koshta, play a crucial role. Pitta dominance can lead to acidity-triggered headaches, while indigestion may cause a dull headache with head heaviness. Stress often precedes headaches, and continuous exposure to a stressful environment or emotional distress can contribute to their occurrence.

What to and what not to do: Minimise exposure to light and sound as the episode begins. If there’s a vomiting tendency, inducing vomiting by tickling the upper palate can provide relief. Applying dry heat, such as a cloth heated on a tawa, may alleviate pain in some cases. Skipping meals, late-night dinners, and excessive sun exposure followed by a head bath can trigger migraines. Timely intake of fluid-rich foods is recommended, while dry, stale,  spicy and frozen foods should be avoided.

Treatment possibilities: Internal medications fall under shaman chikitsa, while shodana chikitsa aims to purify the body for chronic severe cases. Various internal medications, such as kashyams like pathykshadhtyadi and chiruviwaditabs like shirashoola vajrarasam, are prescribed. Procedures like virechana, vasthi, shirodhara, takradhara and nasyam (nasal application of medicine) are practiced with different materials based on individual cases.

How to prevent: Individuals prone to continuous migraine attacks can undergo yearly panchakarma to maintain overall system health. Prioritising gut health through good sleep, dietary modifications, practicing meditation, pranayama, regular exercise, hydration, and exposure to natural sunlight and wind can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

By embracing Ayurvedic principles, we can aim to alleviate migraines and lead happier, headache-free lives.

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These are the type of low-carb foods that help slow weight gain, new study shows

These are the type of low-carb foods that help slow weight gain, new study shows

Eating fewer carbohydrates can slow weight gain over time. But it’s not enough to just cut back on carbs.

An analysis of data from nearly 125,000 healthy adults revealed that replacing refined carbs — white bread, white rice or sugary cereals —with whole grain foods and cutting back on animal-based fats and proteins appeared to lessen the amount of weight people gained over a four-year period, according to the report published Wednesday in JAMA Network Open.

“When it comes to a low-carbohydrate diet, quality is paramount,” said the study’s senior author, Dr. Qi Sun, an associate professor in the departments of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “The things people need to pay attention to are high-quality carbohydrates.”

What are high-quality carbohydrates?

  • Whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole grain pasta or breads.
  • Fats from vegetable oils, though not tropical ones, such as coconut or palm which are high in saturated fat.
  • Plant proteins, such as beans, nuts and soy.
  • Fruits.
  • Vegetables.

It’s best to stay away from refined grains, like white flour, red and processed meats and saturated fats, Sun said.

The best animal protein would be fish, and then poultry, he said.

The new research adds to the growing evidence that diets heavy on healthy carbohydrates and plant-based proteins and fats are associated with significantly slower long-term weight gain.

To take a closer look at the impact of nutrient choices, Sun and his colleagues turned to three databases: the Nurses’ Health Study, which enrolled 121,700 female nurses aged 30 to 55; the Nurses’ Health Study II, which followed 116,340 females nurses who were aged 25-42 at the outset; and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, which enrolled 51,529 male health professionals aged 40 to 75.

For their analysis, Sun and his team focused on 123,332 men and women who had no chronic health conditions.

The researchers were not looking at very low-carb diets, like keto, Atkins or paleo.

In general, Americans tend to consume a diet that contains 50% to 60% carbohydrates, Sun said. A low-carb diet typically contains 30% to 40% carbohydrates.

The researchers scored people’s diets based on the quality of their diets and assigned them to categories based on those scores:

  • Animal-based low-carbohydrate diet (ALCD).
  • Vegetable-based low-carbohydrate diet (VLCD).
  • Healthy low-carbohydrate diet (HLCD), which emphasized plant-based proteins, healthy fats and fewer refined carbohydrates.
  • Unhealthy low-carbohydrate diet (ULCD), which emphasized animal proteins, unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates, including processed breads and cereals.

The researchers found that when people improved the quality of their diets, they gained less weight over the four years of the study

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Diabetes, obesity and fatty liver: What causes sugar craving?

Diabetes, obesity and fatty liver: What causes sugar craving?

Not just diabetes, sugar intake increases the risks of obesity, fatty liver, lipid abnormalities (especially triglycerides), insulin resistance, hypertension and heart disease among others. It is thought that cane sugar was first used in Polynesia, but the actual process of using crystalline cane sugar was developed in India. Is that why we crave sugar so much?

WHAT CAUSES SUGAR CRAVINGS?

Multiple factors could be playing a role in building up our desire for sugar. Consuming sugar leads to the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, creating a pleasurable sensation, followed by the desire to consume more sweets. Conditions associated with low serotonin levels, like depression, mood disorders, menopausal or premenstrual syndrome and chronic alcohol use, can lead to sugar cravings. Stress, depression, anxiety or even simple boredom — as well as the medications used for their treatment — can lead to an intense desire for a sugar-rich meal. Sugar in such situations becomes a psychological crutch that provides immediate, although transient, succour.\

Diabetes, obesity and fatty liver: What causes sugar craving?

Even lack of adequate sleep has been associated with increased sugar craving, by its impact on appetite and satiety via hormones like ghrelin and leptin.

Craving sugar might just be a conditioned response or habit. Sweets are associated with everything good since childhood and are often used as a form of reward, and invariably a part of celebrations. This association can lead to a habit of consuming sugar, with its absence leading to an empty, void like feeling. In addition, advertisements tempt our taste buds into submission.

In people who have marked fluctuations in sugar levels like those with diabetes, sugar cravings can be aggravated. Sharp drops in blood sugar can lead to intense craving for sugary foods, which will then lead to a rapid rise in sugar, release of insulin, and a drop again. Perpetuation of such a cycle can lead to weight gain and worsening of blood sugar control. Eating sugary foods, therefore, will increase your cravings, and you can get trapped in a vicious cycle.

Sugar intake should be kept to a minimum but certainly should not exceed five to six teaspoons (25-30 g) a day. Controlling sugar cravings is easier said than done, but it’s never too late to start!

1. Adequate Hydration: Poor water intake can be confused with sugar cravings. Have a glass of water when you feel the sweet urge coming on.

2. Eat on time and have a balanced diet: A healthy fibre-rich diet, with adequate protein content, eaten at the right time, helps keep you full for a longer time. Replace refined carbs with complex carbs like millets, whole grains, vegetables and fruits that slow down sugar spikes. Eating at the right time and avoiding long gaps help.

3. Mindful eating: Eat slowly without distractions like watching the television or playing with the phone.

4. Adequate sleep and stress reduction strategies help: Avoid getting into the habit of comfort eating.

6. Don’t bring sugary foods home. You can start by giving up dessert. Replace it with fruit if you feel the urge. Artificial sweeteners don’t reduce sugar cravings.

7. Change your drink choices. Drop sugar-rich colas and fruit juices, choose fresh lime, coconut water or just plain water.

8. Start by setting a limit of 150 calories for a sugary snack, or combining it with a healthy food item, one that will make you feel full longer.

Simply diverting your mind at a time you feel the urge, like making a phone call or going for a walk, will divert your mind.

10. Some people find chewing gum a good way to get over that craving

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Employer sponsored health insurance cost to rise 11% in 2024:

Employer sponsored health insurance cost to rise 11% in 2024
Employer health insurance costs are expected to grow 11 per cent in India in 2024 as compared to the projection of 9.6 per cent in 2023, according to the Mercer Marsh Health Trends Report 2024. Globally, it is likely to increase to 12.3 per cent in 2024 as against 11.6 per cent that was forecasted in 2023, the report added.
The report is based on responses from 223 insurers across 58 countries, analysing the key trends that are shaping the future of health care provided by employers.
Employer sponsored health insurance cost to rise 11% in 2024
According to the report, plan improvements and delivering increasingly sought after ailment and demography-specific employee health benefits will be the key drivers to cost containment in 2024. Fifty-seven per cent of insurers globally expect employers to seek plan improvements instead of cost-cutting measures that will limit coverage.
Further, health systems are getting transformed with people moving to digital healthcare — including tele- or video consultations with doctors, wearable devices, and remote patient monitoring. Seventy per cent of insurers expect the use of AI for first-line diagnosis and navigation to have a transformative impact on employer-sponsored health care over the next five years.
Further, non-communicable diseases like cancer, those linked to the circulatory system such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and respiratory ailments are identified as the top three causes of rising claims globally.
The research also found that insurers are including the under-represented sections — with 31 per cent of them considering adding diagnosis, learning support or occupational therapy to support neurodiversity. Meanwhile, diversity and inclusion gaps continue to persist in India, especially for benefits relating to mental health, women’s health, and people with disabilities.
Prawal Kalita, employee benefits leader of Marsh India, said, “Organisations in India are faced with mounting financial pressures associated with rising premiums. This is necessitating a renewed focus on balancing cost containment in the short term, with the provision of high-quality benefits that support the needs of an evolving workforce and aid talent attraction and retention in the longer term.”
“By embracing outpatient primary health care and digital health care solutions, refreshing benefits strategies through flexible benefits programmes, and bridging coverage gaps, organisations in India can manage rising costs more effectively and pave the way for accessible and effective health care plans for all,” Kalita added.
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India bans use of anti-cold drug combination for kids below 4 years

India bans use of anti-cold drug combination for kids below 4 years

India’s drugs regulator has banned the use of an anti-cold drug combination for children below four years of age and said drugs should be labelled accordingly, reported Reuters.

The regulatory body addressed concerns regarding the promotion of an unapproved anti-cold drug formulation for infants, leading to a discussion and a subsequent recommendation against using the combination for that age group.

India bans use of anti-cold drug combination for kids below 4 years

This directive follows a series of child deaths in India since 2019, linked to toxic cough syrups produced domestically. These incidents, which include at least 141 deaths in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon since the middle of last year, have raised questions about the quality of pharmaceutical exports from India, often referred to as the “world’s pharmacy” due to its provision of life-saving drugs at affordable prices.

The regulator issued an order on December 18, publicly disclosed on Wednesday, mandating drug manufacturers to label their products with a warning that the fixed-drug combination (FDC) “should not be used in children below 4 years of age.” This FDC comprises chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine, commonly used in syrups or tablets to address common cold symptoms. Notably, the World Health Organisation does not recommend the use of over-the-counter cough syrups or medicines for treating coughs and cold symptoms in children under five years old.

Since June, India has implemented mandatory testing for cough syrup exports and intensified scrutiny of drug manufacturers. Despite these measures, companies whose cough syrups were associated with child deaths have consistently denied any wrongdoing.

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Why Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids need to be balanced via diet to avoid heart attacks, diabetes and body fat

Why Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids need to be balanced via diet to avoid heart attacks, diabetes and body fat

Maintaining a balanced ratio between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids cannot be overstated when maintaining good health. These essential fats are often overlooked, but an imbalance in their intake can lead to several health issues.

Functions and Importance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 and Omega-6 are polyunsaturated fats essential for various bodily functions but have opposite effects. Omega-3 fats are crucial for brain health, including cognitive and behavioural functions. They reduce inflammation, which is beneficial in preventing chronic diseases like heart disease and arthritis. Omega-3 fats also play a role in maintaining cardiovascular health by regulating blood clotting and vessel constrict

Why Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids need to be balanced via diet to avoid heart attacks, diabetes and body fat

 

Daily Intake recommendations

The recommended daily intake of Omega-3 and Omega-6 varies based on age, sex and life stage. However, the general principle is to maintain a balanced ratio. The ideal Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio should be at most 4:1. Which means for every 1 gram of Omega-3, one should only consume 4 grams of Omega-6. For instance, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating two servings of fish, approximately 170 to 230 grams per week, as part of a heart-healthy diet. Each serving is equivalent to about 3 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids. This recommendation emphasises including Omega-3-rich fish in the diet for cardiovascular health benefits. To give you a clearer picture, if we consume 130 grams of fish weekly as the primary source of Omega-3 fats, which provide us with 3 grams of omega-3 fats, our weekly consumption of Omega-6 fats from grains and seed oils should also be limited to or capped at 12 grams.

Dietary Sources

Omega-3 sources include green leafy vegetables, fruits, chia seeds, flaxseeds, fish and eggs from organically raised poultry. Fatty fish like Rawas, pomfret and tuna are exceptionally high in Omega-3. On the other hand, Omega-6 is commonly found in grains like wheat and seed oils like sunflower, corn, rice bran, canola, soybean and peanut oil.

What does an imbalance do to your body?

In many Indian diets, there has been a shift from traditional cooking oils (ghee, mustard oil, coconut oil) to refined seed oils, leading to a disproportionate increase in Omega-6 consumption. This change contributes to a higher Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio, with rural India consuming a 6:1 ratio and often reaching alarming levels in urban India of around 50:1. Such an imbalance is associated with several health risks, including heart disease, cholesterol, diabetes and arthritis. It can lead to weight gain, particularly belly fat. Eating right is not the whole deal, mindful eating is.

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