Dietary analysis of traditional food cultures in India: An overview of 2600 BCE to the 21st century

Abstract

Around 415 BC, Hippocrates proclaimed, “let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.” A report published in Elsevier’s Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports in 2021 by Archeological Survey of India (ASI), New Delhi, that ‘seven similar big-size brown ‘laddoos’ high protein, multigrain ‘laddoos’ (food balls)’ was found at the Harrapan site in Rajasthan India. Excavation results were surprisingly shocking to the world as many civilizations, sects & religions were not born then. Although India has capacity, if one Jute Sack of food grains is staked over another, they will reach moon and can come back and can still cover more than 1/3rd journey of the moon (2.347 times moon distance capacity). But even in 21st century scientific community are still talking about global hunger. Unfortunately, in the 2021 Global Hunger Index, India ranked 101st out of the 116 countries in 2021 GHI scores and fell under the serious group with a score of 27.5. Poshan Abhiyaan’s convergence mission to address malnutrition must be implemented through ensured community mobilization and participation. Multigrain Ladoos were used in ancient times need to be in the mainstream again to alleviate the hidden hunger. The research concludes that India in the past may have more food security than present India. Hence, ayurvedic foods are recommended for different health disorders as diet plays the most critical role in maintaining health parameters.