Dairy Products: Nutritional Value Facts, Medicinal Health Benefits

Nutrition is important for overall health and well-being. Eating a balanced diet along with dairy products provides the body with essential nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, which are needed to maintain healthy bodily functions. Without these essential nutrients, the body is at risk of developing deficiencies that can lead to serious health problems. Additionally, a nutritious diet can help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Eating a variety of foods also helps to ensure that a person is getting all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they need to remain healthy.

What are the types of food nutrition?

  1. Macronutrients: These are the three main energy giving nutrients that the body needs in large amounts – carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
  2. Micronutrients: These are vitamins and minerals that are essential for the body to function properly and for proper growth and development.
  3. Phytochemicals: These are plant based compounds found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes that can have health benefits.
  4. Water: Water is essential for the body to function properly and is an essential part of any balanced diet.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in health. Eating a balanced diet that provides all the essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that the body needs helps to maintain physical and mental health, reduce the risk of illness and disease, and promote overall well-being. Eating a healthy diet can also help to maintain a healthy weight, provide energy for daily activities, and reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Balanced Diet Indian Food Combinations

The traditional Indian diet is based on whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, dairy, nuts, and seeds. It is a balanced diet that provides a variety of essential nutrients and promotes good health. The primary source of calories in a traditional Indian diet is carbohydrates, followed by proteins and fats. Whole grains such as wheat, rice, millet, and sorghum provide the bulk of the calories. Complex carbohydrates such as legumes, lentils, and beans are also staples of the Indian diet.  Fats are primarily from plant sources such as nuts and seeds, as well as dairy products like ghee and butter. Fats provide essential fatty acids and are an important part of the diet. Proteins are present in the form of legumes, nuts, and dairy. Vegetables and fruit are also an important part of the Indian diet. 

  • Dal and Rice: Dal is a lentil-based stew, commonly served with rice and ghee (clarified butter). This combination is a staple of Indian cuisine and provides a nutritious balance of carbohydrates and proteins. 
  • Roti, Vegetable Curry and Chaas: Roti is an unleavened flatbread, and it pairs perfectly with a flavorful vegetable curry. This combination is a great source of both carbohydrates and proteins. Chaas is a buttermilk dairy based drink products.
  • Raita and Chapati: Raita is a yogurt-based condiment, and chapati is a type of flatbread. This combination provides a great balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. 
  • Pulao and Dal: Pulao is a rice-based dish that pairs perfectly with a flavorful dal. This combination is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. 
  • Idli and Sambar: Idli is a steamed rice cake, and sambar is a lentil-based stew. This combination provides a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.

The traditional Indian diet is high in fiber and low in sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars. It is a balanced diet that is low in calories and provides a wide range of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  In addition to a healthy diet, physical activity is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Traditional Indian exercises such as yoga and walking can help to improve overall health and well-being.