Nutritious, balanced diet can improve behaviour: Experts

Eating a balanced diet containing foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, zinc and magnesium can contribute to better mood and behaviour, nutrition experts said at a seminar in Rangpur on Wednesday.
They also stressed the need to reduce consumption of highly processed foods and ensure dietary diversity to maintain good health.
The remarks came at a seminar titled “Food Diversity and Applied Nutrition for Good Health of the People of Rangpur District” held at the conference room of the Rangpur District Administration.
Dr Sadekul Islam, senior scientific officer of the Rangpur Regional Office of the Bangladesh Applied Nutrition Research and Training Institute (BIRTAN), presented the keynote paper at the seminar.
He said a balanced diet is essential regardless of personal preference and that proper nutrition can contribute to maintaining a good mood and healthy behaviour.
Speaking at the seminar, Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Israt Jahan said the country’s growing population and pressure on agricultural land had created challenges to maintaining food quality and nutritional value.
She said increased use of hormones and pesticides in crop production could affect food quality, adding that greater production did not necessarily mean better nutritional value.
“The country’s population has increased, but the amount of land has not. We are trying to feed such a large population within the same area, which is putting pressure on our natural balance,” she said.
The DC also stressed the need to address malnutrition among children as well as financial and awareness-related barriers to maintaining a balanced diet.
Dr Md Abdur Razzaq, chief scientific officer of BIRTAN headquarters, chaired the seminar.
Civil Surgeon Dr Shahina Sultana, BSTI Deputy Director Abdul Hannan and Additional Deputy Director (Horticulture) of the Regional Agriculture Office Habibur Rahman, among others, also spoke at the event.