The great Indian diet challenge: do we really know what’s healthy?

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Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Urban India’s perception of healthy eating may not align with established nutritional guidelines, the latest YouGov-Mint-CPR Millennial Survey suggests. Nearly seven in 10 respondents claimed they had improved their diets in the past year.

But when prodded more on the health benefits of some common food items, this group displayed surprising views. Among those with ‘improved’ eating habits, 34% said oily and fried foods more than once a week was fine; among those whose diets had deteriorated, this share was 30%. The first group also showed a greater tolerance for frequent indulgences in sweets, chocolates, desserts, and parathas.

Despite these foods being associated with high levels of saturated, and possibly trans fats, as well as sugar—known contributors to lifestyle diseases—those with 'improved' diets were more likely to view reducing sugar, unhealthy fats, salt, or carbs as passing trends rather than sustainable health practices. Also read: Diabetes: The ticking time bomb The improved habits may have come from eggs, or switching to soya- and ragi-based snacks or atta noodles, the responses suggest. But the health quotient of alternative snacks and atta noodles is also debatable, as they may have other worrisome ingredients.

The latest survey, held online, was the 12th in a biannual series conducted by Mint in association with YouGov India and the Centre for Policy Research (CPR). It had 10,314 respondents spread across over 200 cities and towns. Conducted since 2018, the survey throws light on the beliefs, choices, and anxieties of India’s young urban population.