It may surprise many, but nearly 80% of India’s population suffers from protein deficiency. In fact, as the Observer Research Foundation reports, over 90% of Indians are unaware of their daily protein requirements. But muscle gain or getting fit shouldn’t be the only reason for people to consume protein, this deficiency is a health crisis that leads to millions suffering from chronic diseases. Furthermore, it has no specificity, cuts across class and age, young and old, poor and rich alike, everyone suffers.
This is concerning for Revant Himatsingka, widely regarded as the “Food Pharmer.” However, Himatsingka heads the Indian Protein School with the determination to change the status quo. This project aims to address the deep-rooted causes of chronic diseases like heart and diabetes linked to protein deficiency.
If that wasn’t enough, Himatsingka also went on X.com and revealed his plans on how to reverse protein illiteracy, as he puts it. And it shouldn’t be considered a small task with Himatsingka aiming high: to achieve awareness across India about protein and in turn improve the nation wide eating habits.
Really excited to finally announce the Indian Protein School.
— Revant Himatsingka “Food Pharmer” (@foodpharmer2) November 19, 2024
Protein illiteracy is one of the major causes for India’s health problems. 80% of Indians are protein deficient currently resulting in chronic illnesses like diabetes, and heart disease.
Especially Indians above 40… pic.twitter.com/xFTJq4A0GB
Why Protein Literacy Matters for Indians
According to the National Family Health Survey 2019-2021 report, over 80% of adults aged 19 to 54 consume inadequate amounts of protein, leading to a daily protein intake deficit. This can further lead to a range of unsolved health issues for most Indians, which can worsen over time and have the most dire consequences.
This protein deficiency fixation only seems to worsen for those adopting vegetarianism as vegetarian diets offer a much lower protein intake and with egg and meat consumption being managed so strictly, the lack of adequate protein only seems to get worse.
However, even in a vegetarian body, protein plays a key role in cellular and muscular health, along with maintaining a proper immune function system, therefore one can never disregard the importance of including protein in your diet regardless of being vegetarian or not.
No matter what age group you belong to, dietary protein consumption is vital since the long-term impact of completely disregarding its consumption can be detrimental to your body. One of the biggest opportunities for growth in terms of increasing awareness for protein consumption is its perception of being limited to bodybuilders as the myth that it solely benefits athletes still runs rampant among those aged 40 and above.
According to the National Family Health Survey, approximately half of Indian adults do not meet their protein intake. The protein intake for an average Indian, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is 0.8 to 1 gram per kilogram per person. However, the average intake is about 0.6 grams per kilogram which shows a deficiency in meeting these standards.
One parent, @KyaShukla, shared her frustration:
“I sent egg rice for my 10-month-old baby to a reputable crèche… [but they] showed me a pan-India policy doc stating only vegetarian food allowed! High-protein food is the need of the hour. Pls solv[e]!”
I am raising my kid.. I am realising that forced vegetarianism is a real thing in schools. Sent egg rice for my 10 month old baby to a reputable crèche chain close to office and was shown pan-India policy doc stating only vegetarian food allowed! Alas! High protein food. Pls solv
— khyati shukla (@KyaShukla) November 19, 2024
The Plan of Action
To begin its engagement in India, Indian Protein School has devised a strategy-oriented approach that aims at targeting a significant population by integrating a campaign that is focused on education and tackling the protein deficiency. This outreach program is expected to enroll more than ten million parents and teachers within a period of twelve months. By providing the right information to these key influencers, the program hopes to set off a positive change in the nutrition practices of different communities.
The following educational modules will encompass the following topics:
- What Everyone Should Know About Protein Since It’s Essential For The Diet Across All Age Groups.
- The misconception – that protein is crucial only for athletes and musclebuilders.
- Food recommendations that are applicable within the culture to achieve the required protein intake.
The Indian Protein School has articulated a set of targets it aims to accomplish over the next 12 months that are achievable and forward-looking.
Educating Millions
Over ten million parents and school teachers will be trained on the significance of protein in one’s diet. This would include training through workshops, webinars, and promotional campaigns.
Canteen Sudharega India Campaign
Promoting organizations and schools to provide low-cost, high-protein meals. This would include promoting certain foods and free-like egg, pulses, and soy-based foods in exclusionary diets.
Research and Partnerships
Working with physicians on large commissioned pieces of research that examines traditional protein science and other popular myths such as soy-based foods contains damaging phytoestrogens that have been dismissed a long time ago.
Public Reactions and Concerns
The announcement has sparked widespread conversation on X.com, with reactions ranging from support to skepticism. Now, some or most did applaud the initiative, but there are questions about implementation and misconceptions around protein sources.
Dr. Ash (@restinbitch) had this to say.
Also try to clear the misconception about soya based foods for vegetarians. People carry forward the phytoestrogen theory, which has been disapproved already in multiple studies.
— Dr. Ash (@restinbitch) November 19, 2024
On the other hand, another X.com handle, called the IT cell, had another question.
Is whey protein safe to consume everyday? In one podcast with @shubhankrmishra, a doctor said that it can cause inflammation and hair loss. Need some clarity on this from your side. 🙏🏻
— IT Cell (@DemoSecrecy) November 19, 2024
Others, like @MrFirdosKhan, offered support.
I can really help you in your first Goal. Dm me. I have top level many contacts in Schools and Universities.
— Firdos Khan (@MrFirdosKhan) November 19, 2024
So, What Challenges Are We Looking At?
The project comes with considerable challenges:
- People’s Beliefs
According to customs as well as religious practices, eggs and meat as sources of protein might be a challenge to incorporate in schools and workplaces.
- Lack of Information
Outdated notions widely believed today, such as soybeans being a women’s risk factor or protein supplements being a cause for weight gain, need to be corrected with the help of scientific arguments.
- Cultural Factors
Partnership between government and private sector will be needed to ensure protein products are available and affordable to all communities.
What I Think About It…
Living in India, I’ve witnessed the negative impact that the lack vital nutrients can have on families. Lack of protein intake not only deteriorates the physical state but has extensive effect on cognitive growth, productivity and life standards. In many households, particularly those located in rural areas, ‘high-protein’ is either misunderstood or regarded as an expensive luxury.
Revant Himatsingka’s movement gives great hope. If he is successful in this battle, his vision on nutrition and food can revolutionize the Indian nation. The Canteen Sudharega India campaign in particular stands a chance to foster healthier working places and schools.
The question remains as to what the viable alternatives can be for vegetarians – including those who do not eat eggs. While options do remain – like legumes, whole grains and paneer – they are limited – and a reason more care needs to be taken for adequate protein intake.
Will You Join the Call to Action?
The Indian Protein School is not merely a program or a campaign; it marks the start of a revolution for protein. Himatsingka’ joins those of us who understand the importance of nutrition in strengthening and making India better.
To those who are moved by this initiative, Himatsingka has issued an open invitation to join the movement through a simple Google form here – https://forms.gle/UURkffEfJvH37ePE7
This initiative is not just focused on solving a health crisis; it focuses on unleashing the potential of the nation. So, as another Ayodhya Singh, said…
India needs a protein revolution! Excited to see the launch of the Indian Protein School tackling the silent crisis of protein deficiency. Together, let’s create a healthier, stronger nation.#Protein #HealthRevolution
— Ayodhya P Singh (@AyodhyaPS) November 19, 2024
Last Updated on by Icy Tales Team
