Indians not eating enough vegetables

About 71 per cent of the Indian population is eating less than half of the recommended serving of fruits and vegetables, a survey by a global nutrition company says. According to the survey by Herbalife Nutrition, more than half do not drink enough water and over 50 per cent don’t exercise enough.

Over 6,000 people participated in the study to understand balanced nutrition, eating habits, and their fitness routines. The sample size included millennials, non-millenials, men and women, and working and non-working population.

Around 41 per cent consumed two servings of fruits/vegetables per day, and 21 per cent consumed three servings. Next, 34 per cent drank eight glasses (two litres) of water, and 24 per cent consumed six glasses (1.5 litres). Only 17 per cent took 10 glasses (2.5 litres) of water per day.

“A healthy, active lifestyle is a way to proactively combat health issues like obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle-related illnesses. We conducted the balanced nutrition survey to raise awareness on importance of balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices,” Ajay Khanna, Vice President, Herbalife International India Pvt Ltd.

FOOD GUIDE

• Balanced nutrition is a holistic concept that recommends 40 per cent carbohydrates, 30 per cent protein and 30 per cent fat in one’s daily intake
   
• Along with adequate hydration, regular physical activity is important to support core body functions