Padma Shri awardee Dr. Khadar Valli Dudekula advocates a return to traditional dietary practices

Mysore/Mysuru: Dr. Khadar Valli Dudekula, a Padma Shri awardee known for promoting millets, delivered a thought-provoking message at the Mysuru Literature Festival, asserting that “health lost in the kitchen won’t be regained in the hospital.”

Speaking on achieving a healthy life through millets, he criticised the influence of the protein industry, cautioning against excessive protein consumption. He argued that while protein is essential, the pervasive advocacy for high-protein diets, driven by commercial interests, has led to detrimental health effects such as early-onset diabetes.

He highlighted the detrimental effects of consuming rice, wheat, milk and sugar, attributing them to a range of health issues affecting both men and women. He challenged the prevailing belief in milk’s calcium benefits, suggesting that its consumption may not be as beneficial as commonly believed.

He expressed scepticism about claims regarding milk’s calcium benefits, noting that qualified doctors often advocate its consumption despite potential drawbacks. He emphasised that if milk consumption were reduced, it could significantly impact hospitals reliant on treating related health issues.

Dr. Khader Valli argued for a return to natural dietary norms, advocating the reduction of rice, wheat, milk, and sugar intake for better health outcomes. He criticised current dietary habits as deviating from natural norms and urged a reconsideration of food choices to align with healthier alternatives.

Expressing concern over the commercialisation of food habits, he advocated a return to traditional dietary practices, particularly the incorporation of millets into daily diets for their nutritional benefits.

Advocating the consumption of millets, Dr. Khader Valli noted the rapid proliferation of IVF centres across the country. Stressing the importance of adopting healthy dietary habits, he highlighted that consuming millet-rich foods can aid in blood dilution, which is crucial for maintaining good health.

Emphasising the significance of dietary choices in maintaining good health, he recommended the consumption of ‘Ambali’ (porridge) and underscored the health advantages of using Indian-style toilets.

Dr. Khader urged a departure from modern dietary norms, stressing that a balanced diet plays a pivotal role in preventing health issues, rather than relying solely on hospital treatments.