Nagpur: Ravikiran Mahajan, an Mechanical Engineer by profession delivered a talk on “The Science Behind Food”, which was jointly organized by VIA Agro & Rural Development Forum and Nagpur Beejotsav at VIA. He started with the famous quote of Hippocrates – “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
He also emphasized that regional and organic food is better for good micro biome, which helps in increasing our immunity and digestion. He also stated calcium supplements increases the heart risk by 30%, osteoporosis and natural calcium is better than supplements, which we can get from drumsticks and dates (khajoor). He also explained how refined oil is dangerous for our health, he advised to use cold pressed oil, which should be consume within 45 days to get maximum benefits. More durable food is dangerous for human health as compared to less durable food.
He stated that genetically modified food is not good for health and going against nature will ultimately make humans suffer. The simple law of nature is that man cannot dominate ‘Nature’, nature is more powerful then science. We should respect nature and the farmer should cultivate organic farming. Beejotsav is promoting indigenous seeds and organic farming, which gives organic input for soil and also improves human health and soil health. The Beejotsav tries to bring organic food to the average consumer by connecting the farmer and the urban consumer directly.
Nowadays, parents are ignorant about children’s diet and parents prefer ready to cook food (fast food) for their children which is harmful. Conscious diet planning is need of the hour. He explained that acidity is the main cause of many diseases in our human body and fast food is more acidic in nature.
He informed about some important aspects of balance pH, pH stands for power of hydrogen, which is a measurement of the hydrogen ion concentration in the body. The total pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, with 7 considered to be neutral. A pH less than 7 is said to be acidic and solutions with a pH greater than 7 are alkaline.
He technically explained about artificial milk, junk food, soft drinks, all their ill effect. He advised participants to follow traditional diets, seasonal diet and local foods. He firmly believes in naturopathy, Ayurveda and yoga. The objective of this lecture is to create awareness amongst people about safe, nutritious, organic food and they should start thinking about the relationship of safe, chemical-free food to mind and body health.
The program was largely attended by members form industrial fraternity, farmers, ladies members, agriculture students. Prominently present were Atul Pande, President – VIA, Shachi Mallick, Chairperson – VIA LEW, Nitin Lonkar, President – BMA, Milind Kanade, Capt C M Randhir, President – MIA and Sharad Paliwal.
Earlier, Earlier, guests welcomed with saplings of Mulberry and Curry leaves – Ravikiran Mahajan by Ashit Sinha, Prof. Dr Mukund Gaidwad, Ex-Vice Chancellor, Rahuri Krishi Vidyapeeth by Omprakash Jajodia, Chairman, VIA Agro & Rural Development Forum. Omprakash Jajodia, Chairman, VIA Agro & Rural Development Forum gave his welcome address and said organic food is best for human life and people should follow their tradition food system for healthy life. Shyamla Sanyal, Beejotsav Nagpur Group also gave opening remarks. Kirti Mangrulkar, Convener of Beejotsav Nagpur conducted the proceedings. Prof Ashit Sinha, Former Vice President – VIA summed up and proposed a vote of thanks.
