Case Study: Dietary Deficiency in India
Calcium - No Breaking ‘Em Bones.
We all have the picture stamped in our head, of our mothers chasing us with a glass of milk lamenting how important it is for the bones and teeth. Well, who are we to defy the declaration of our dearest mothers and neither does science. As important as calcium is for our health, you would be surprised to know that it is a “seldom-seen, seldom-loved” mineral that is found in your diet as well as in the diet of many other Indians. We reside in a country that is dealing with an alarming deficiency of calcium amongst young adults, pregnant women or even the elderly. Once our bones run out of the calcium stock, brittle bones, fractures and other bone issues follow suit.
How to Spot It?
The easiest way to spot a calcium deficiency is observing muscle cramp and joint pain that seem to appear out of nowhere. Brittle nails and tooth problems are other common symptoms of the same. If you observe these signs, go get tested and remedy the same.
Precautions: The Calcium Defense Mechanism
Now, how do we guard ourselves against this stealthy assault? The solution lies in plain sight: Calcium-rich foods. Name dairy products such as milk, curd, and paneer – India's traditional trio of calcium superstars. But remember, there are vegetarian options as well, such as leafy greens (spinach, fenugreek), almonds, and sesame seeds. And check this out. Fortified foods such as some breakfast cereals and plant milks are loaded with calcium – just another reason to include them in your pantry staple list!
But, hey, it's not merely a matter of supplementing with more calcium; it's a matter of intelligent absorption. Vitamin D is your calcium best friend. Without vitamin D, calcium won't get the job done. So, get some sun, or enjoy vitamin D-fortified foods like eggs and fish, to ensure that your calcium is doing its thing.
Cure: Building Up Your Bones, the Intelligent Way
When it comes to treating calcium deficiency, it's a matter of introducing the right foods into your diet – and doing it regularly. Introducing dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods will get you started, but here's an entertaining twist: why not introduce AttaVita into the mix? This humble yet potent ingredient can be easily added to your day-to-day meals – whether it's in roti, paratha, or even a smoothie. With AttaVita, you receive a double benefit: calcium along with other necessary nutrients that will make your bones strong and your body healthy.
Of course, don't overlook Vitamin D – the sunshine vitamin. Spending a bit of time in the sun, combined with foods such as eggs and fatty fish, will help your calcium get all the assistance it requires to function properly.
Iron - The Oxygen Transporter
Iron is one of the most important minerals that our body requires to prevent the energy levels from somersaulting. But surprisingly, iron deficiency is one of the leading nutrient deficiencies in our land. Over 57% of the female population in India is anemic as noted by the National Family Health Survey, the high number makes the problem a disease. The feeling of sluggish, tired, or dizziness and the regular occurrence of these is an indicator of iron deficiency and should not be taken lightly as it can hazardly affect your immune system.
How to Spot?
If you find yourself being tired and full of fatigue often, while also observing shortness of breath, pale skins and nails. Signs of common frequency and hair fall are another common side effects of iron deficiency. It might not seem grave but trust us, it is and should not be treated lightly.
Precautions: Iron Up!
In order to monitor your iron levels, it's important to stock up on iron foods. Red meat, lentils, spinach, and beans are great options. If you're a vegetarian, don't worry—iron is still your buddy! You just need to combine plant-based sources of iron with Vitamin C-containing foods (such as citrus fruits or bell peppers) to enhance absorption. Iron from animal sources is easier to absorb, but plant-based iron can work wonders with a bit of Vitamin C help.
Cure: Iron-Packed Power!
Adding iron-rich foods to your diet is the trick, but here's the save that AttaVita comes with. Adding this nutrient-boosted ingredient to your daily diet (be it in rotis, parathas, or smoothies) is a subtle yet effective way to maintain your iron levels without any fuss. With its naturally fortified composition, AttaVita is an easy, go-to food to support healthy iron levels. Pair it with your greens, legumes, and vitamin C, and you’ll feel that iron boost in no time!
No more trudging through your days with low iron! Maintain your energy levels with a boost of iron-rich foods paired with a dash of AttaVita. Whether you're having a rich lentil soup or a humble paratha, you've got the means to manage your iron levels and keep your body in top gear. Keep that oxygen pumping!
Zinc: Keeping up the Immunity
It is not uncommon for us to lose sight of Zinc amidst racking up protein bars, chugging fibers and other nutrients. However, this deserves as much attention as Vitamin C when it comes to boosting our overall immune system. Without it, you'll be left susceptible to colds, impaired wound healing, and slow recovery. It is a primary component of your body's cell regeneration and repair, yet inexplicably, most people have no idea that they're not consuming enough of it. The secret is to incorporate zinc-rich foods into your diet prior to when your immune system begins calling in reinforcements.
How to Spot It?
Low zinc can show up in the form of ongoing infections, lack of appetite, or slow healing of wounds. You may also experience hair loss or being unable to concentrate—certainly not the last two things you'd like to see in your everyday routine. If you hear a round of applause for the aroma of food and flowers around but can’t relate it even after tasting or smelling it, well you can blame the Lord Zinc. A quick blood test will let you know if your zinc stores could use some TLC.
Precautions
Zinc is present in foods such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, and shellfish. As a vegetarian, legumes, pumpkin seeds, and zinc-fortified cereals can provide you with a healthy zinc dose. The trick to excellent zinc intake is variety—so ensure that you are consuming a range of zinc-containing foods. A dash of zinc-rich seeds on your salad or a handful of almonds can go a long way toward maintaining your immunity.
Cure
To bring your zinc levels from "meh" to "superhero," don't overlook the strength of AttaVita. This all-purpose ingredient not only provides you with a boost of necessary vitamins and minerals but also ensures your zinc intake stays on track. Whether you sprinkle it over your everyday roti or blend it into a smoothie, AttaVita is a quick, easy way to sneak in some extra zinc. It's almost like giving your body a zinc kick without even knowing it!
Stay healthy, stay strong, and keep that immune system in tip-top shape with zinc-filled foods. Add AttaVita to your regimen, and you have a sneaky means of keeping on top of your zinc intake without skipping a beat. No more feeling under the weather!
B12: The Secret Of our Energy
Vitamin B12 is like that friend who energizes the whole group, without it everything feels a bit off. It's crucial for nerve health, DNA production, and overall energy levels. But guess what? Your body doesn’t make it—so you’ve got to get it from food. B12 deficiency is common, especially among vegetarians and vegans, as most B12-rich foods are animal-based (eggs, fish, and meat). A lack of B12 can lead to fatigue, nerve damage, and a weakened immune system.
How to Spot It?
If you find yourself feeling fatigued for no apparent reason, struggling with balance, or finding a numb tingle in your hands and feet, you might be B12 deficient. Another clue? Tired-looking skin, breathlessness, and tongue soreness. A quick blood test will let you know if your B12 is green and goin' strong or is running on fumes.
Precautions: Keep the B12 Flowing
The most effective way to guarantee that you're consuming a sufficient amount of B12 is to maintain a balanced diet consisting of eggs, dairy foods, and lean meat. For plant-based eaters, fortified foods (such as cereals, plant milks, and nutritional yeast) can be just as good. If that's not enough, a B12 supplement might be the answer.
Cure
B12 deficiency has no chance of occurring when the right diet is in place, and incorporating AttaVita into your meals can make the process simpler. Taking a spoonful of AttaVita with your regular meal plan helps to enhance not only B12, but a combination of other important nutrients that will keep you running like a top. From making a paratha to mixing it into a smoothie, AttaVita goes in without ever being noticed, enabling you to maintain that B12 level! Maintain your energy levels by adding B12-dense foods to your diet and supplementing with AttaVita. Your body will appreciate it, and your hectic schedule will appreciate the extra oomph.
B9: The Unsung Hero of Cell Growth
Folate (Vitamin B9) is essential for cell division and DNA synthesis, that's why it's especially significant during pregnancy. Even if you're not pregnant, though, it still plays a big part in overall wellness. Low B9 levels can cause birth defects, a poor-developed fetus, and fatigue. This vitamin might be underestimated, but if you want to keep your body working at its best, you'd better leave more space for more folate.
How to Identify It?
Indications of deficiency in folate may be fatigue, ulcers in the mouth, and pale complexion. Women who are pregnant can have more serious symptoms, like the complications in fetal development or preterm delivery. If you feel tired or have issues with digestion, then you might consider checking your B9 levels.
Safety Precautions
Leafy greens (like spinach), legumes, fortified cereals, and citrus fruits are excellent sources of folate. It’s a good idea to make folate a regular part of your meals, especially if you’re planning on expanding your family. The key is to start early, folate is essential long before pregnancy and as we all know prevention is always better than the cure.
Cure
To supplement your body with the folate it requires, just add AttaVita to your daily diet. It's a clever, discreet way to increase your B9 without much effort. Whether in a rotisserie-style paratha or instant smoothie, AttaVita brings the extra nutritional kick, ensuring you get the right amount of folate in the most tasty manner.
Put your folate levels in check with leafy greens, legumes, and fortified cereals, and don't forget to include AttaVita in your diet. For pregnant women or for anyone who wants to be healthy, this combination will make your cells and energy levels thrive.