Green leafy vegetables are very good source of iron: Expert

Ludhiana, April 7, 2022: The Department of Food and Nutrition, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), and the Ludhiana Chapter of Nutrition Society of India (NSI) and Indian Dietetic Association celebrated World Health Day today by organizing a talk on ‘Anemia and Food Factors’ by an eminent nutritionist of India Dr Kanta K. Sharma, who is a founder Head, Department of Food and Nutrition, and former Dean, College of Home Science, PAU.

Dr Sharma emphasized the need for creating awareness regarding iron rich meals, especially, for young children and women of reproductive age group. “Vegetarian diets have lower iron content with lower absorption of iron as compared to meat based diets. Green leafy vegetables are very good source of iron. Vitamin C rich foods like amla, guava and lemon improve the absorption of iron from plant foods. Inclusion of sprouted legumes in diet is a useful method to improve vitamin C. Dates, Raisins, niger seeds and prunes are some foods are extraordinary rich in iron,” she stated. Besides, she shared appropriate techniques of cooking cereals and pulses which can improve the availability of iron to the body.

Dr Kiran Bains, Convenor, NSI, Ludhiana Chapter and Head, Department of Food and Nutrition, discussed the influence social media on our dietary intake and how consuming too much refined and processed food by youngsters was the cause of anemia. “Consuming traditional diet with plenty of local and seasonal fruits and vegetables can prevent anemia,” she added. The department continuously creates awareness regarding prevention of anemia for building healthy societies, she said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Food and Nutrition has collaborated with Special Olympics Bharat (a National organization working for intellectually disabled persons) for the program Special Olympics Healthy Athletes. The program has been designed to help special Olympics athletes improve their health and fitness. On the occasion of World Health Day and to celebrate Azadika Amrit Mahotsav, an event “The National Health Fest for Divyangjan-we care” was organized at Guru Nanak Public School, Sarabha Nagar, Ludhiana. The nutritional status of about 1,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities was assessed on the spot by a team of nutritionists from this department.