World Food Day is an annual event observed on October 16, which commemorates the founding of the United Nations (UN) Food And Agriculture Organization. This campaign is observed across 150 countries that make World Food Day, one of the most celebrated days on the UN calendar. Several events and outreach programs bring together governments, NGOs, private organizations, media, and the public to promote awareness and action across the globe for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure a healthy diet for all.
Millions of people across the world cannot afford a balanced and nutritious diet, putting them at high risk of food insecurity and malnutrition. But ending hunger isn’t only about supply. This year’s theme is “Leave No One Behind”, which focuses that no one should be left behind without food and that everyone should have access to nutritious food. Thereby we can build a strong and sustainable world where every individual can get quality and adequate food. Further, the World Food Day theme also highlights the need to produce adequate food regularly to feed everyone on the earth.
The main issue is proper access to, and availability of nutritious food is deprived. This is hampered by multiple challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, climate change, inequality, and rising prices to mention a few. People across the globe are suffering the continuing impacts of food challenges that know no borders. Globally, more than 80 percent of the poor populace lives in rural areas, and many depend on agriculture and natural resources for their living.
Currently, the world faces two major issues, one is the problem of offering a healthy diet which impacts both the rich and poor resulting in lifestyle issues like obesity, and diabetes. On the other hand, there is the issue of hunger that leads to malnutrition, death, and abnormal growth and development in children.
Prevalence Of Hunger in India
As per reports, India ranks 107 positions out of 121 countries in 2022, Global Hunger Index. Despite economic growth, India is still struggling with high levels of poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation worse.
To manage this situation, the World Food Programme is taking several measures, along with the Government of India. Moreover, the Indian government has organized several food securities schemes, but the implementation has always been a great challenge and the fight to end hunger is far from being over.
Therefore, from now on lets us inculcate the habit of healthy eating and reap its impressive merits. Healthy eating offers a wealth of incentives that last a lifetime. It has a positive impact on one’s physical and mental well-being.
Top 5 Benefits of Healthy Eating
Support In Your Weight Loss Plan
Obesity is one of the common health concerns worldwide. Well, inculcating healthy eating practices can help decrease this problem significantly. Focus on having plenty of green leafy vegetables, whole fruits, healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts and seeds, lean protein, and whole grain cereals that help reduce calorie intake, keep you satiated for a longer time, and reduce your BMI. Additionally, healthy eating also supports to balance the hunger hormones, improves insulin sensitivity, and maintains normal thyroid function, thus aiding in the loss of stubborn fat and helping one live healthy, and optimizing overall health status.
Also Read: Obesity: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Manage Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes affects millions of people worldwide and it’s a global health problem. Poor eating habits, obesity, insulin resistance, and genetics are some of the predisposing factors to diabetes. Modifying eating habits and lifestyles can certainly help a person lessen the risk of type-2 diabetes and related complications. Refrain from consuming sugar-laden and junk foods. Eat a wholesome meal with plenty of dietary fibre, healthy protein, low glycaemic index foods, and nutritious snacks to control cravings and hunger pangs.
Also Read: 5 Fruits Low On Glycemic Index That Are Good For Diabetics-Infographic
Augment Cardiac Health
Excessive intake of junk foods, alcohol, and smoking leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Eating healthy by adding fresh green vegetables, fruits, and plant-based sources of protein, limiting meat, and avoiding fast food, animal fat and sugary foods can help to maintain cholesterol profile and promote overall heart health and functions.
Prevent Cancer
An unhealthy lifestyle and genetic factors can make the cells in the system, multiply drastically that leads to abnormal cell functions and a risk of developing cancer. Several pieces of evidence have revealed that consuming organic and unprocessed foods is the perfect way to keep cancer at bay. Certain foods are attributed to have phytonutrient traits that may inhibit cancer progression. Food sources rich in phytonutrients include berries, watermelon, broccoli, cabbage, tomato, garlic, turmeric, ginger, green tea, and leafy greens.
Bolsters Immune System
A healthy immune system supports to prevent infections and keeps diseases at bay. It also promotes faster recovery and healing. Consuming foods that are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals is the best to trigger the immune response. Add plenty of food like blueberries, strawberries, oranges, grapefruit, leafy greens, carrots, tomatoes, fatty fish, herbs, and spices to help improve your immunity naturally.
