Issue 15 of Food Facts may be downloaded from the website as PDF document as well as text-only copies of individual articles on:

•  Focus on Women's Health

•  Asia's Double Nutrition Burden

•  Food Safety Tips to Take with you Anywhere, Anytime

AFIC looked at June editions of 16 English and 14 Hindi consumer magazines that focus on the themes of health, the science of ayurveda, parenting or women?s interests and affairs.

Functional food is a topic of rapidly increasing interest in India, more so because of the traditional beliefs in the medicinal value of foods. Cancer-fighting properties of mango, tomato, spinach and tea were highlighted. Cholesterol-busting effect of garlic, onion, apples, yoghurt, avocado and barley; and other blood sugar-lowering food were discussed. Of special interest were the galactogogues which promote lactation.

Interest in fitness and exercise has increased immensely in the recent years with the benefits of both; traditional and modern exercise techniques being emphasized for mental and physical well-being. Walking was encouraged and benefits of yoga, pilates and aerobic exercises were highlighted.

Advantages of eating a fibre-rich balanced diet, small meals and more meals, low-fat eating and adequate fluid intake were issues that received considerable attention. Anemia is a concern and adequate iron and vitamin-C rich foods were encouraged.

The growing trend in obesity is a major concern in India, primarily due to excessive indulgence, changing lifestyles and decreased activity. Decreasing calorie intake ?using low calorie diets, sensible eating and change in eating habits, exercise and short-term detox diets were recommended for weight loss. Use of fad diets, supplements and medications were discouraged.

The general belief is that nutrients present in food are superior to those derived from supplements. Supplements that received media attention included folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, chromium and GLA. Caution was advised about excessive intakes of vitamin A and vitamin C.

With the summer heat on, diarrhea, cholera & typhoid were issues of concern and tips on avoiding food poisoning were listed. Adulteration of food spices, ghee, coffee, tea, jaggery, flour and milk are a common consumer grievance.

Heart disease is another growing problem in India linked with a high fat diet, sedentary lifestyle and obesity. Low fat, low saturated fat and cholesterol diets, antioxidants, small meals and more meals, less salt, a drink of alcohol daily, tea and coffee were recommended for heart health.

Consumption of sweetened beverages was discouraged ? one article claimed that chemicals and gas in these beverages cause an imbalance that increases bulk and another stated that soft drinks weaken bones. Water, fresh fruit juice or lime juice, sugarcane juice, buttermilk, coconut water, herbal drinks and iced lemon tea were recommended to beat the summer heat.

 Asian Food information Centre is a not-for profit Singapore-registered organization.   Its mission is to effectively communicate sound science based information on food safety, health and nutrition to the media and other key audiences in Asia