ICMR Study Reveals: Indian Diet Tasty But Unhealthy, 62% Carbs And Only 12% Protein
ICMR Study Reveals: Indian Diet Tasty But Unhealthy, 62% Carbs And Only 12% Protein
New Delhi: A joint study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation has found that while the Indian diet is flavourful, it is far from healthy. The study revealed that an average Indian’s plate contains 62% carbohydrates and only 12% protein, leading to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and other lifestyle diseases.
The report highlighted that a major portion of energy intake in India comes from white rice and wheat, with millets making up only 1.4% of the national diet. In the Northeastern states, rice consumption is the highest at 51.7%, while wheat dominates diets in Northern India.
Protein consumption remains critically low, with most of it sourced from pulses and grains. Only 2% of total protein comes from dairy products, and 1% from animal sources. Interestingly, states like Nagaland and Mizoram reported a slightly better protein intake of 16–18%.
According to study findings, 11.4% of Indian adults are diabetic, while 15.3% are pre-diabetic.
Lead researcher Dr. R. M. Anjana emphasized the need to reduce carbohydrate intake rather than merely switching between rice, wheat, or millets. “The key is to cut down on carbs and replace a greater share of calories with plant-based and dairy proteins,” she said. “Even increasing protein intake by just 5% of total calories can significantly lower the risk of diabetes.”
