Return to Traditional Diets for Better Health: Padma Shri Dr. Khader Valli

Mysore:

Dr. Khader Valli, a renowned food scientist and recipient of the Padma Shri award, called upon people to return to their traditional food habits to safeguard their health from the harmful effects of chemically treated foods.

Speaking after inaugurating the Krishi Mela organised by Balakrishna Provision Stores at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry on Saturday, he said that food habits have drastically changed over the past 40 years due to Western influence. People have increasingly adopted Western food styles, neglecting the rich dietary practices followed by their forefathers for generations.

"The older generations lived long and healthy lives because they consumed nutritious food that included a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fibre and other essential nutrients," said Dr. Valli. “In the name of modernism, people have stopped consuming organically grown staple foods and shifted to processed and refined Western diets. Nutrient-rich husks of cereals and pulses are discarded, contributing to poor health outcomes.”

He noted that these dietary shifts occurred in just four to five decades, leading to a surge in health issues. The need of the hour, he emphasized, is to return to traditional diets and encourage the consumption of organically grown cereals, pulses, vegetables, and fruits. He also stressed the importance of introducing these practices to the younger generation.

As part of the mela, over 30 stalls are showcasing a variety of siri dhanya (millets), fruit saplings, pure cow butter and ghee, black rice, unpolished rice, and oils extracted using traditional methods. The mela is open on Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm.

Several competitions have been organised, including jackfruit opening for couples, drawing for kids, and eating panipuri within a minute. Special items such as mango holige, jackfruit holige, mango kesari bhat, fresh mango juice, mango pani puri, and mango cheesecakes are also on sale.