In celebration of National Nutrition Month, the Sanjeevan Health Centre at IIT Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with Kalinga Hospital, organised an awareness talk titled “Reducing Consumption of Sugar, Salt, and Oil” at the Community Centre, IIT Bhubaneswar.
The session was delivered by Dr. Anjana Tripathy, a Clinical Nutritionist at Kalinga Hospital, Bhubaneswar, and included millet food sampling and sales to promote healthier food choices.
During the event, Dr. Tripathy emphasised that excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and fats are “silent culprits” behind obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. She encouraged attendees to make small changes in their diets, such as opting for fruit-infused water, reducing salt in cooking, and measuring oil usage. Highlighting the importance of preventive nutrition, she stated, “Food is medicine—by choosing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, we can protect our overall health and liver function.”
The event also focused on dispelling common myths related to nutrition, stressing that skipping meals or completely avoiding fats is not healthy. Instead, she advocated for mindful eating, balanced diets, and moderation in consuming high-fat, high-salt, and high-sugar foods as the keys to long-term wellness.
As part of the program, millet-based foods were showcased, sampled, and made available for sale, underscoring their value as a sustainable and nutritious dietary option. This initiative reinforced the message of “Nutrition for All – Together Towards a Healthy India.”
Smt. Shruti Karmalkar, Advisor for Residents’ Clubs at IIT Bhubaneswar, graced the occasion. The program was also attended by Dr. Seema Bahinipati, Professor-in-Charge (Healthcare), Dr. Sivaiah Bathula, NSS Coordinator, and Dr. Mansoor Ahmed Khan, Senior Medical Officer.
