Excelsior correspondent
JAMMU, November 3: A webinar was hosted by ‘Non Communicable Diseases Prevention Academy (NCDPA) – a subspecialty chapter of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) on the topic’ Fats and oils in nutrition and health “.
The webinar was chaired by Dr Bakul Jayant Parekh (IAP 2020 President) and Dr Elizabeth KE (UNICEF Kerala Consultant). During the webinar, Dr RBN Prasad (Retired Chief Scientist and Former Director of the Lipid Research Center, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, CSIR, Hyderabad) spoke on the topic “Fats and Oils in Nutrition and health: myths and facts ”.
The second lecture was on “Metabolism and Functional Importance of Oils and Fats” and the speaker was Dr BR Lokesh (retired chief scientist and former head of the Department of Lipid Sciences, Central Institute for Technological Research on feeding of the CSIR, Mysuru).
Dr Dheeraj Shah (Director Professor UCMS, Delhi), Dr Rekha Harish (President, NCDPA) and Dr Anju Virmani (Advisor, NCDPA) moderated the session.
The speakers discussed the fat needs in different age groups. They discussed various types of oils and their chemical composition, the impact of frying on composition and that no oil is the best and we have to mix the different oils in the daily routine and avoid reusing oils for cooking.
They were of the opinion that we should avoid trans fat as much as possible because it is the worst oil produced by the hydrogenation process. “Trans fats are universally used in all confectionery and baked goods and are the worst oils because they not only increase bad cholesterol (LDL) but also lower good cholesterol (HDL),” they added.
The speakers stressed that we must understand the limit of recommended dietary intakes for our age and activity level and that we must find a balance between energy intake and physical activity on a regular basis to stay in good health. health.
The presentations were followed by an interactive question-and-answer session from the audience. The webinar ended with a vote of thanks presented by Dr. Sud.