Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF TRADITIONAL INDIAN NUTRITIONAL PRACTICES

*Abhay Sunil Pawar, Sandip V. Phoke, Avinash D. Hatkar, Sunil S. Jaybhaye, Sachin S. Dighole, Divya Karbhari Shinde

ABSTRACT

Indian dietary patterns have evolved through thousands of years of tradition and culture with documentary evidence available in the form such as manuscripts, cave paintings, religious texts, and stone tools. Vegetarianism has been unique to the Indian culture as well as many beliefs of food avoidances and recommendations for special conditions. The Indian diet is typically a combination of diverse foods. The availability of refined and processed foods has brought about a significant change in the type of food eaten during the last 50 years. The traditional Indian meal patterns were healthier because of the inclusion of unrefined diverse foods. Certain hygienic practices were followed for preparation and serving of meals to ensure safety and freedom from any kind of contamination. Food-related rituals were also influenced by religion and advocated harmonious living with nature emphasizing the protection ofnatural resources. To conclude, the traditional dietary practices influenced the health and nutrition of the Indian population significantly.

Keywords: Child, food habit, malnutrition, nutrition health, nutritional deficiency, nutritional status, Lifestyle, Traditional, Health, Nutrition, Diseases, DIYs.