India, we often focus on how much food is on the plate. But what about what is on the plate? It’s not just about quantity, it's about quality. And when it comes to quality, micronutrients play very important role .
Many families eat enough food, but still suffer from "hidden hunger" — a lack of essential micronutrients. This is especially common in:
Women and children
Adolescent girls
Pregnant and lactating mothers
Low-income households with less access to diverse food
According to national health surveys, over 50% of Indian women are anemic, mainly due to iron deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency still affects many children. This leads to fatigue, low immunity, slow growth, and poor learning in children.
Micronutrients → Healthy Cells → Strong Body Functions → Better Health
Micronutrients are found in everyday, affordable foods, like
Iron – bajra, ragi, leafy greens, jaggery, dates
Vitamin A – carrots, mangoes, papaya, green vegetables
Zinc – pulses, nuts, seeds
Iodine – iodized salt
Folic Acid – bananas, spinach, lentils, amaranth
Poor Diet → Micronutrient Deficiency → Low Immunity → Poor Health & Growth
To improve we should focus of the followings :
Eat Local & Diverse: Combine grains, pulses, veggies, and fruits
Use Iron Utensils: Cooking in iron kadais increases iron content
Promote Fortified Foods: Choose atta, salt, oil, and milk fortified with vitamins
Kitchen Gardens: Grow fresh, micronutrient-rich vegetables at home
Nutrition Education: Train mothers, adolescent girls, and children to identify good food choices
Micronutrients may be small, but their power is mighty. With simple food choices and awareness, we can build stronger children, healthier mothers, and a brighter future. .