PUNE: India continues to face a major challenge when it comes to meeting daily protein needs. While carbohydrates make up a large part of everyday meals, many people across age groups still fall short of their required protein intake. To raise awareness and offer practical solutions to this issue, the Almond Board of California hosted a panel discussion in Pune on “Addressing India’s Protein Gap: Better Nutrition for a Healthier Tomorrow.”

The event, held at Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa, Pune, brought together well-known personalities, including actress Soha Ali Khan, fitness expert Yasmin Karachiwala, and Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head – Dietetics, Max Healthcare, New Delhi. The panel focused on the importance of protein in addressing India’s nutritional gap. It highlighted the role of small dietary changes, like a handful of almonds, in improving protein intake for people across all age groups.

Protein is essential for growth, health, and strength. Children need it for overall development, teenagers for energy, and adults for muscle repair and holistic well-being. Yet, Indian diets often miss the mark. For example, a bowl of dal has about 18 grams of protein, which may not be enough for those with active lifestyles or higher nutritional requirements in the family.

The panellists emphasized that it doesn’t demand that one overhaul their entire diet to include more protein. Small dietary changes like adding almonds to meals or snacks make a big difference. Almonds are a natural, plant-based source of protein, offering about 6g of protein in a 30g serving. They also provide essential nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin E, and zinc for immunity and wellness.

Soha Ali Khan said, “When I plan meals at home, protein tops the list – especially for my daughter who’s growing and active. Almonds have been an easy and reliable source of nutrition for us. I enjoy snacking on them in between shoots. They keep me going without making me feel heavy. For my daughter, I add almonds in fun ways like mixing them into her breakfast or tossing some into her salad. It’s a small but meaningful step towards making sure we’re getting enough protein every day.”

Yasmin Karachiwala said, “As a fitness professional, I often talk to people about the importance of protein for energy, recovery, and strength. Almonds are my go-to because they offer good-quality plant-based protein, which is especially great after exercise/ post-workout. They help keep you full, which makes them a smart snack choice. I carry them with me all the time, whether I’m training clients or heading to a shoot. It’s a simple way to give your body the right nutrition.”

Ritika Samaddar said, “Many people in India unknowingly fall short of their daily protein needs. One way to fill this gap is by adding protein-rich foods like almonds to the diet. I recommend them often because they’re easy to include, especially for families. Almonds offer protein along with other nutrient requirements, and they’re far better than most packaged snacks. A handful a day goes a long way in improving nutrition.”

Organizations such as ICMR and FSSAI have also acknowledged the nutritional value of almonds. In the ‘Eat Right During COVID-19’ guidelines, almonds are recommended as a good source of plant protein, along with key nutrients such as vitamin E and magnesium. ICMR further encourages including nuts regularly as part of a balanced daily diet.

Getting enough protein isn’t complicated or expensive. Every day choices, such as snacking on almonds, may prove to be a meaningful way for families to take impactful steps toward better health for all.

The post California Almonds Nutritious Approach to Solving India’s Protein Crisis appeared first on NRI News.

Ms. Krishnaswamy discussed how daily almond consumption can positively impact blood sugar levels in individuals with prediabetes. She also explained research findings on muscle recovery, including a study by Dr. Kern, which found that eating two ounces of almonds daily for eight weeks reduced muscle pain, improved strength, and minimized muscle damage post-exercise.

Another study by Dr. Witard, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, revealed that consuming almonds for eight weeks reduced muscle soreness and supported muscle function, particularly in middle-aged adults.

Discussing muscle recovery, Ms. Krishnaswamy noted, “Almonds, rich in protein and 15 essential nutrients, make a great pre-or post-workout snack, supporting muscle repair and overall well-being.”

Dr. Misra’s study highlighted that prediabetic individuals who incorporated almonds into their diet showed improved blood sugar levels. Eating 20 grams of almonds 30 minutes before a meal helped regulate glycemic control.

Commenting on the findings, Ms. Krishnaswamy added, “With rising diabetes cases, including almonds in a balanced diet can help manage prediabetes. Almonds reduce blood sugar spikes and support heart health and weight management.”

The session reinforced how almonds contribute to overall health, from muscle recovery to blood sugar management. Rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, almonds are a practical and nutritious addition to any diet.

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