Tribals are unique in numerous ways. This is also reflected in their food habits and food consumption. In other words, the food scenarios of the tribals as compared to the rest of India mainly lack a balanced diet. Dr. Wadamika Lyngdoh, I/c Food Analyst cum Microbiologist of Meghalaya is of the opinion that as tribals we consume carbohydrate-based food with a minimal percentage of other proteins, vitamins, and minerals. In order to ensure that the people of Meghalaya maintain a balanced diet and improve their eating habits, extensive public awareness programmes are required at different levels and age groups.
The State Food Testing Laboratory, Pasteur Institute, Government of Meghalaya, has its jurisdiction for the whole State. The State Food Safety Department is categorised into two wings, that is, the Enforcement wing and the Analytical wing. The Food Safety Officers (food inspectors) manage the enforcement wing, whereas the analytical wing, (State Food Testing Laboratory) is presently headed by the I/c Food Analyst. The main role of the analytical wings is testing food and water samples, as per the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), so as to determine whether the food/water is safe or unsafe for human consumption.
1. Tribal’s eating habits:
When it comes to certain perceptions that tribals hold towards food, the majority of us feel that what we consume is healthy as we eat lots of locally prepared food. However, the quantity taken is not proportionate. Dr. Wadamika went on to state that as tribals we consumed maximum boiled food. They are easily digestible and do not get charred. Its greatest advantage is that boiled food retains its natural flavour. Boiled food is safe and simple. However, consuming only boiled food every day can result in a greater loss of nutrients. Besides water-soluble nutrients like vitamin C, B vitamins can easily leach out of veggies when cooked in water.
Unfortunately, the food scene in rural Meghalaya is not really up to the mark. Dr. Wadamika is of the view that consuming milk, egg, fruits etc, on a daily basis is much required, although it is not commonly practiced. As a thumb rule; it is advisable for people especially in rural areas to consume foods of different colours which nature has provided at different seasons. This is because colourful foods, which are generally fruits and vegetables, contain many of the vitamins and antioxidants with few calories in them. What the general masses can do is cultivated varieties of vegetables and fruits which can grow in their specific region.
This can be done without using too much pesticide which has become an alarming issue all over the country. Dr. Wadamika further explains that pesticides are chemicals used to protect crops against insects, weeds, fungi, and other pests. They are potentially toxic to humans depending on the quantity and ways in which a person is exposed to. People who consume food containing a higher level of pesticides can have an adverse effect called acute effects such as rashes, blisters, etc, and chronic adverse effects such as blindness. Pesticides can be used only to a certain level for them to be considered safe.
2. Common practices:
Like all cities, Shillong too is witnessing homes whereby both parents are engaged in full-time work. This limits them from spending enough time cooking for their family members. This in turn gives rise to the consumption of packed and outside food. The concept of introducing packed foods is to obtain foods free of contamination provided their shelf-life is maintained. By extending the food shelf-life in packed food, it allows the food to last longer and hence the food can remain fresh.
Dr. Wadamika, however, states that the biggest disadvantage of packed food is its hazardous effect on a person’s health. All packed foods contain food additives and artificial flavours which may not only reduce the food flavours but proves to be very unhealthy and unsafe for human consumption especially if these food additives are present above the permissible limits.
Outside/roadside food is another commonly consumed food, especially when time is a constraint. It goes without saying that they are not hygienic and not recommended for younger children and aged persons. Although Khasi/Pnar food stalls, fast food, and joints are considered clean and well maintained in our State, there is little or no guarantee if the utilized water is potable. Secondly, storage of cooked and uncooked food is not proper especially for food joints which are in the open and on highways.
Greens which are served in varieties along with tribal food are consumed in a big way by all age groups. In fact, greens are regularly taken at all meals; both in rural and urban areas. Dr. Wadamika, while advising that greens are healthy and should be properly washed before eating, went on to state that they are not recommended for individuals with heart diseases as they thicken the blood and may lead to blood clots and worsen such diseases.
3. Recommended food items:
Dr. Wadamika stressed that as tribals, we should as much as possible educate ourselves on the food items which best suit certain age groups. For instance, children below 14 years of age should consume food rich in calcium and proteins to help in their growth, etc. For adults below 45 years, they should be encouraged to take complex carbohydrates and should avoid simple carbohydrates/sugar. The food recommended for aged people who are above 60 years are foods rich in calcium and proteins. They should have a good intake of fruits and vegetables and items with a high fiber diet in order to prevent constipation which is a common problem in old age.
For those who consume meat, one should make sure that it is properly cooked in order to avoid harmful bacteria and parasites which may lead to food poisoning. These also include smoked meat – beef, pork, and others. Some of the don’ts in food intake include carbonated drinks or packaged drinks, eating stale food, junk food, and eating in crowded places. Rather easy availability of packed drinks has reduced the practice of making fresh juices at our homes which was very much a practice in the olden days. Dr. Wadamika also stressed that there is no substitute for what water can do for our bodies, which is why we should make it a habit to drink water and also trained our young ones to do the same.
She further stated that nutrition affects our physical and mental wellness and following a healthy diet can lead to positive changes in our everyday life. This can only happen if we educate ourselves on the right food intake, eating on a timely basis, and following a fixed routine. Not to forget, that food should be stored preferably in a refrigerator or inside a Kitchen Almirah having a wire mesh door, free from ants and flies.
4. Food consumption during the pandemic:
Diet plays an important role in improving immunity and hence leading to the steadfast recovery of even an infected person. Dr. Wadamika mentions that while different people may be affected in different ways, it has become imperative for each and every one of us to take care of our health, our environment, and in particular our food intake. While the stress is on maintaining a balanced diet, consumption of fruits especially citrus fruits which contain a high level of vitamin C is highly recommended. Also, the consumption of green vegetables is necessary as it provides vitamins and minerals which are necessary for enhancing good immunity in a person.
Dr. Wadamika further cited a few items that may be consumed during this pandemic. The bright yellow spice, turmeric, contains a compound called curcumin, which boosts immune function. Garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties which enhance body immunity. Apart from what has been listed, drinking warm water throughout the day helps. Steam inhalation with mint leaves and caraway seeds is also recommended.
The common food items readily available in our region which are natural immunity supplements include ginger and gooseberries (amla). Some of these super foods are common ingredients amongst us tribals while preparing our food. There are several herbs that help in boosting immunity like basil leaves, and black cumin. Certain seeds and nuts like sunflower seeds, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, and melon seeds are excellent sources of protein and vitamin E. (The writer can be reached at maxwell.lyngdoh@gmail.com)
