Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu recently urged the state’s population to reduce their intake of salt, sugar, and oil to prevent chronic diseases. At a press conference, Naidu said a family of four should consume only 600 grams of salt, two litres of edible oil, and three kilograms of sugar per month, reported PTI.
“Make it a thumb rule: consume only 0.6 kg of salt, two litres of oil, and three kg of sugar per month for a family of four. Many diseases can be controlled this way,” Naidu said, adding that salt intake, in particular, must be drastically reduced.
According to CM Naidu, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, respiratory illnesses, infectious diseases, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and others are among the top 10 health issues in Andhra Pradesh, accounting for 80 percent of the disease burden. He advocated lifestyle changes like walking for at least 30 minutes a day as a health practice.
He also encouraged people to adopt meditation in their daily routines and to pray for at least half an hour a day – whether in a puja room, mosque, or church – to lead a stress-free life and avoid disease.
Taking a cue from his statements, let’s understand why it is crucial to cut back on salt, sugar and oil.
Here’s what to consider (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
In India, many households focus on counting the number of rotis each person eats. Still, there is often no awareness or rationing of essential ingredients like sugar, salt, and oil, said Dr Rajiv Kovil, head of diabetology and weight loss expert, Zandra Healthcare and co-founder of Rang De Neela Initiative.
“This lack of control can lead to excessive consumption, contributing to rising health issues such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Just as we count rotis, it’s important to start counting and rationing sugar, salt, and oil within families,” he said.
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Doing so can help control calorie intake, promote healthier eating habits, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases while fostering “greater health literacy across communities”.
According to Dr Kovil, rationing food helps manage resources efficiently and fosters healthier eating habits. “Improving health literacy reduces waste and ensures better nutrition for long-term well-being,” said Dr Kovil.
Apart from rationing, practices like regular walking and strength training are advised. Experts note that walking helps boost metabolism, burn calories, and enhance one’s cardiovascular health for those looking to start making changes.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
