Indians and Proteins: A Journey Through Time and Nutrition

Indians and their relationship with proteins.

India’s food scene? Legendary!. We’re famous across the world for the Avial and the golden Sambar to the comforting Dal. Our cuisine from the Himalayas to the coasts of Kerala, celebrates a balance of tasty and wholesome foods. But here’s a curveball: would you believe that a whopping 73% of us are missing out on the protein we need? 

So today, let’s take a look at Indians and our deep-rooted relationship with proteins. Explore the heritage and the key to addressing the health challenge. Let’s dive in!

The Ancient Embrace of Proteins

Agriculture was the cornerstone of ancient Indian civilization. In vast areas with fertile soil, farmers grew everything from rice and wheat to hearty lentils and those trusty legumes we all love. Agriculture wasn’t just about filling plates, it had a tremendous influence on the growth of cities, religion, and trade networks. 

Our ancestors were onto something big way before labs came into the picture. They knew the power of protein-packed foods for strength, vitality, and wellness. They savoured golden grains, lentils, and an array of pulses, passing down this wisdom through generations. This legacy still fuels and enriches Indian cuisine and health today. 

Ancient Meets Modern

Today, our plates are a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. While our grandparents savoured lentil curries and paneer dishes, we’re experimenting with tofu scrambles and protein-packed smoothie bowls.

Ancient grains like ragi and bajra are slowly making a comeback, celebrated for their nutritional prowess. At the same time, global superfoods like quinoa and chia seeds are finding their way into our kitchens, adding a contemporary twist to our age-old recipes.

The Protein Dilemma

So, coming back to the 73% of folks in India who are grappling with protein deficiency. Here are reasons why. First off, not everyone can afford those protein-packed foods, especially in the countryside where times can be tough. Plus, some of the good old-fashioned foods rich in protein, like lentils and pulses, have been set aside for cheaper, carb-heavy options.

Then there’s the whole awareness thing. Not everyone knows how crucial protein is for their bodies, so dietary choices do not always hit the mark. 

Across India, dosas, idlis, rice dishes, rotis and other carb-heavy dishes are beloved and are an essential part of  almost every meal of the day. Hence, protein ends up playing second fiddle. This is another contributing factor to protein deficiency.

Let’s not forget cultural stuff, too—some communities have dietary practices that might not always be protein-friendly

The Path Forward

So, what’s the way forward? How do we bridge this nutritional gap and rekindle our age-old relationship with proteins?

Education and awareness are paramount. By understanding our dietary needs and embracing a balanced approach to nutrition, we can make informed choices.  You can get a lot of information on protein and wellness from our blogs.

Incorporating a diverse range of ancient and modern protein sources can play a pivotal role in addressing this deficiency. Moreover, it’s essential to acknowledge our culinary heritage, to bring to practise the wisdom of our ancestors, and to pass on this knowledge to the next generation.

Origin Protein is on a mission to drive down the protein deficiency crisis to zero. We’ve got a range of protein superfoods designed to meet the daily nutritional protein requirements of everyone. 

Go-Go Fuel, a multi-nutritional drink for kids, Senior Care Vegan protein for the elderly, Daily Vegan Protein for adults, and Mojo Pops protein chips for snack lovers. We’ve got a whole set of recipes on how to craft yummy and nutritious foods with our lean clean proteins as well.

It’s clear: our journey with proteins is deep-rooted. We’re setting the course for a healthier future. Let’s keep the conversation going, share our stories, and make protein a daily priority for everyone. After all, it’s about embracing our legacy while ensuring everyone gets the protein they need. 

Here’s to a healthier, happier, and protein-rich India! Cheers!