National Nutrition Week 2023: Why We Celebrate in India
Nutrition Week is celebrated in India from 1 to 7 September every year. The main aim of observing Nutrition Week in the country is to create awareness among people about the benefits of nutrition, and promote healthy and hygienic eating habits.
On the occasion of National Nutrition Week, different activities like seminars, workshops, educational events, conferences, and public awareness campaigns are held across India to educate people about the advantages of a balanced diet, benefits of proper nutrition, prevention of diseases caused by poor nutrition, and measures to overcome nutritional deficiencies.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL NUTRITION WEEK
The American Dietetic Association (ADA), currently known as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, established National Nutrition Week in 1975. The purpose of this week is to create public awareness about the countless benefits of healthy nutrition and an active lifestyle. Due to the public’s enthusiastic response to the idea of National Nutrition Week in 1980, the celebrations were extended to an entire month. National Nutrition Week was first recognised in India in 1982, when government launched several initiatives to motivate, aware, and educate people about the healthy nutrition and its association with good health and longevity.
SIGNIFICANCE OF NATIONAL NUTRITION WEEK: WHY TO CELEBRATE IT?
The main significance of celebrating National Nutrition Week in India includes the following:
1. To promote health and well-being by creating awareness about the proper nutrition, and its importance in maintaining good health.
2. To educate people about diseases caused by poor nutrition, and their preventive measures.
3. To educate people about the harmful effects of malnutrition, which has become a global health concern. Malnutrition includes both under nutrition and over nutrition.
4. To promote intake of proper nutrients like vitamins and minerals, and prevent health issues caused by the nutritional deficiencies.
5. To educate people about the importance of good quality food.
6. To help people in understanding the nutritional value of food.
7. To motivate people in adopting healthy lifestyle.
8. To educate people about the diseases caused by poor lifestyle like diabetes, obesity, heart diseases, and more.
9. To promote the benefits of healthy nutrition in people of all age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and elderly people.
10. To promote and encourage the consumption of sustainable foods, that are health as well as environment friendly.
THEME OF NATIONAL NUTRITION WEEK 2023
According to UNICEF, the theme of Nutrition Month 2023 is “Healthy Diet Gawing Affordable for All.” In India, September is celebrated as the National Nutrition Month or Rashtriya Poshan Maah.
In conclusion, the government of India has taken a number of steps to address this problem, such as providing subsidies on nutritious foods, making healthy foods more accessible, and educating people about the importance of nutrition. However, more needs to be done to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food. By taking any of the above actions, you can help to celebrate National Nutrition Week and promote healthy eating habits in India.
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