Experts stress dietary diversity for a healthy lifestyle

Experts at a seminar in Thakurgaon have stressed the importance of dietary diversity, food safety and balanced nutrition for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

They made the remarks at a seminar titled "Dietary Diversity and Applied Nutrition for Good Health" held at the Deputy Commissioner's conference room in Thakurgaon on Tuesday, said a PID press release here last night.

Bangladesh Institute of Applied Nutrition Research and Training (BIRTAN) under the Ministry of Agriculture organised the seminar, attended by 50 officials from different organisations.

Thakurgaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque attended the event as chief guest, while BIRTAN Chief Scientific Officer Dr Md Abdur Razzaque chaired it. Dr Md Sadekul Islam, head and senior scientific officer of BARI-TARC's regional office in Pirganj, presented the keynote paper.

The speakers stressed consuming safe, diverse and nutritious food in appropriate quantities and at the right time.

The deputy commissioner urged people to remain conscious about food safety and nutritional value, saying health and nutrition are linked to every stage of the food cycle-from production and storage to preparation and consumption.

Dr Razzaque said ensuring nutritional security is as important as ensuring food security, particularly for pregnant women and children.

Dr Sadekul Islam advised people to follow a balanced diet, consume more vegetables, limit oil intake and maintain an ideal body weight through healthy dietary and lifestyle habits.

Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension Md Majedul Islam and Civil Surgeon Dr Md Anisur Rahman also spoke at the seminar.