Menu

National Nutrition Month 2021

 

National Nutrition Month 2021 will be held under the theme of “Nutrition for Protection” with the emphasis on achieving proper nutrition through healthy eating which is important during this COVID 19 pandemic era. Healthy eating is crucial for maintaining proper balance of the immune system. A Healthy diet promotes immune defensive functions of intestines, reduces systemic inflammatory responses  and ensures proper functioning of immune cells. Unhealthy diet increases the risk of diet related NCDs such as diabetes mellitus, cancers and cardiovascular disease, promotes inflammation and sometimes increases the risk of certain autoimmune diseases. 

Food Based Dietary Guidelines for Sri Lankans (FBDGs) provide guidance for adapting culturally appropriate country specific healthier dietary pattern via 14 general and 4 age specific key messages for healthy eating and lifestyle. Five key messages, which contribute to overall health and immunity, will be emphasized during the National Nutrition Month 2021.They are as follows;

  1. Have a variety of food daily balancing correct amounts
  2. Eat whole grains and their products including less polished or parboiled rice, instead of refined grains and their products 
  3. Eat at least two vegetables, one green leafy vegetable and two fruits daily
  4. Eat fish or egg or lean meat with pulses at every meal
  5. Limit sugary drinks, biscuits, cakes, sweets and sweeteners

For further details, please contact Nutrition Division, Ministry of Health on 011-2368320/21/23 or email to nutritiondivision@health.gov.lk 

What is the body mass index (BMI)?

The body mass index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out whether your weight is healthy.  BMI is calculated by dividing an adults’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared.  For example, A BMI of 25 means 25kg/m2. Read More