Steam Center Blog

A t the outset it may be mentioned that this author, although a scientist, is not one from the nutritional area but from another from the physical sciences. Therefore, what has been written in this note is merely from common sense albeit tempered with the scientific approach. It is aided by a lifetime of experience of foods and nutrition in different parts of the globe. On the other hand, there are advantages from an expert from outside the field writing this note as shall became clear on reading it. The present note was sparked by a hugely laudable new mission launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji of India yesterday to improve child nutrition in India (Poshan Mission). Such an initiative is needed everywhere in the world but most especially in countries such as India where child mortality rates are high. While this mission unfolds, it is worth focusing on two types of dangers that exist is this area, due to lack of information, some of which are already unfoldi...

W hile reports have come from time to time of Indian children falling sick due to poor midday meals in schools an even worse thing is happening – children falling sick from iron supplements forced on them in schools. Reports of this appear in newspapers from time to time including one today in Rajasthan. For example see http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/delhi-school-kids-fall-sick-after-consuming-iron-supplements/1/291877.html One wonders what is the idea or scam behind this horrible idea. There are much easier, cheaper and healthier ways to provide iron supplements . There is a need to put an end to this scam immediately even if some public officials are extracting bribes from the manufacturer. Two of the simple natural methods of providing iron are 1. Include spinach and other leafy vegetables in school meals. Spinach finely chopped can be mixed in school dal however spinach needs to be washed thoroughly to remove dirt and pesticide residues and this may n...