A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for overall health. To emphasize the importance of good 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 engage individuals and communities in making better food choices. Therefore, following a balanced diet with nutrient-dense foods like almonds, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and more is crucial to achieving optimal health. Almonds are packed with 15 essential nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, protein, zinc, potassium, and dietary fiber, all of which help maintain overall well-being.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)- National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) recently released 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 regime and practices, says, “I diligently follow healthy eating habits and I try to be deliberate about keeping a check on my nutritional intake as it is essential for maintaining 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 photoshoot or an interview, I make sure to carry healthy snacks like a box of almonds with me as they keep me full for longer and nibbling on a handful of almonds also helps me meet some of my daily nutritional requirements. So, this National Nutrition Month, let’s commit to healthy eating habits and make an effort to include nutrient-rich foods like almonds in our diet.”
Commenting on National Nutrition Month, Regional Head of Dietetics at Max Healthcare, Delhi, Ritika Samaddar said, “Consumption of junk food and HFSS (high fat, sugar, salt) products due to easy availability and fast-paced lifestyle is on the rise and consequently the incidences of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart problems and obesity are also increasing. Therefore, I always recommend making careful food choices and switching to healthy options in a balanced diet to include the many nutrients we need on a daily basis. To ensure optimum health, it is important to include foods like almonds in your diet as they contribute to several health benefits like controlling weight, harmful cholesterol and blood sugar levels and can help maintain and improve overall health.”
Nutrition and wellness consultant Sheela Krishnaswamy said, “In India, lack of understanding about the importance of consuming essential nutrients has contributed significantly to the rise of several ailments. Therefore, we need to consume a variety of foods that are a natural source of nutrients, such as almonds. Even the recent guidelines from ICMR-NIN suggest regular consumption of nuts like almonds as part of a healthy diet. Not only this, research studies suggest that almonds can also play a positive role in overall dietary patterns, which is beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Therefore, it is good to include foods like almonds in your daily diet as a simple yet effective step towards achieving a healthier lifestyle.”
Fitness Master Pilates Instructor Yasmin Karachiwala said: “A balanced, nutritious diet and regular physical activity are essential for holistic health. In addition to regular workouts, I strongly advise my clients to avoid packaged or ultra-processed foods and focus on natural options like almonds. I rely on almonds as part of my daily diet because of their rich nutritional profile. They are an excellent source of protein and are an important part of my post-workout regimen. Because almonds are versatile, they can be consumed in different forms and still retain their nutritional value. That’s why it’s a good idea to carry a box of almonds with you wherever you go.”
MBBS and nutritionist, Dr. Rohini Patil said, “This National Nutrition Month, I urge everyone to take their health seriously and be conscious about their food choices. With today’s erratic lifestyle and the resulting health issues, we cannot afford to ignore the importance of consuming nutrient-rich foods. Keeping the same in mind, I always advise my patients to include foods like almonds in their diet in one form or the other. Almonds are not only delicious but are also packed with multiple nutrients and help maintain a healthy heart and blood sugar levels when included in a balanced diet, and by prioritizing such nutritious options, you can significantly improve your overall health.”
Skin expert and aesthetician, 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 substantial difference. Eating a handful of almonds daily along with fruits and vegetables can naturally boost your skin’s resistance to UV rays. Moreover, almonds contain antioxidants, vitamin E and healthy fats that nourish the skin from within for that radiant look.”
South Indian actress Vani Bhojan said, “Juggling a demanding career and personal life can be a huge challenge, but prioritising your health is essential. I am a firm believer in self-care and one of the best ways to do this is by nourishing your body with the right kind of food. Including nutrient-dense foods like almonds in my daily routine has made a noticeable difference in my overall well-being. I love having almonds as a snack and always carry a box with me wherever I go. This habit has been immensely beneficial for my health and I encourage everyone to make similar choices to avoid unhealthy food options.
This National Nutrition Month, let’s commit to recognizing the critical role of nutrition in overall well-being. Making conscious choices can significantly improve nutrition and vitality, paving the way to a healthier life.