Newspatrolling.com News cum Content Syndication Portal Online
National, October 13, 2025: ITC Aashirvaad, in collaboration with the Institute of Home Economics (IHE), Delhi University – Department of Food & Nutrition and Food Technology, hosted an insightful seminar on – Role of Dietary Fibre in Health as part of its Rashtriya POSHAN MAAH Celebrations 2025.
Recent nationwide surveys reveal a rise in digestive health concerns across India, with a large section of the population falling short on recommended dietary fibre intake and struggling with poor dietary patterns. Lack of awareness about requisite daily nutrition and dietary fibre is a key factor behind this growing challenge. The Aashirvaad Multigrain Happy Tummy Survey—analysing responses from over 8 lakh Indians—found that 70% reported not meeting the daily fibre requirements, with the gap particularly pronounced among women (74% versus 64% in men). These findings are corroborated by reports of increased digestive health issues, and higher risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, largely attributed to inadequate intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The confluence of poor dietary fibre, low fruit and vegetable consumption, and limited physical inactivity is now recognized as a key contributor to widespread digestive discomfort and chronic non-communicable diseases in the country.
Expert lecture by Dr. Richa Jaiswal, Dietitian, AIIMS New Delhi provided an in-depth perspective on the vital health benefits of dietary fibre among Indians. She emphasized the necessity of fibre-rich foods in everyday diets for both preventive and therapeutic nutrition, drawing on the latest clinical research and recommendations. She further added, “there’s an urgent need to re-emphasise fibre’s role in maintaining gut health and preventing non-communicable diseases. Awareness among future nutrition professionals is crucial for building a healthier society.”
Mr. Abhishek Mehrotra, Vice President & Head of Marketing– Aashirvaad Staples and Meals, ITC Ltd., said: “At ITC Foods, as a part of our nutrition strategy framework of ‘Help India Eat Better’, we recognize the profound impact that nutrition education can have on community health outcomes. This seminar reinforces our commitment to partnering with academic institutions to promote dietary awareness and empower individuals to make informed, health-positive food choices. ITC also stands committed to contribute meaningfully to the Government’s efforts of enhancing nutritional outcomes of communities.”
Dr. Shantanu Das, Vice President & Head of Food Sciences, ITC Limited also stated, “ITC remains committed to driving transformative change in people’s health through food innovation and strategic nutrition partnerships. By supporting science-backed dietary solutions and empowering consumers with knowledge, we aim to support national priority to bridge the nutrition gaps highlighted by studies and surveys, manage digestive health, and better community well-being.”
The interactive session concluded with a lively Q&A, where students discussed practical approaches to integrate balanced nutrition into Indian diets. Aashirvaad also supported the dissemination of key educational materials, reinforcing the industry-academia collaboration for promoting balanced eating habits and advancing nutrition-driven public health outcome.
As part of the engagement, Aashirvaad also sponsored an inter-college recipe contest, which saw enthusiastic participation from students across leading Delhi colleges. The contest encouraged participants to reimagine traditional recipes of whole grain flours with a nutritional twist thus celebrating the goodness of fibre, protein, and whole grains.
