New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS): Experts on Friday stressed the need of nutrition for the optimal development of an individual and the importance of various components of a wholesome diet, pointing out that only 2% of surveyed millennials were aware of all aspects of whole grains in their breakfast.

As per a recent survey by PepsiCo India, the awareness about consumption of a healthy breakfast comprising whole grains in food among millennials across metros and nutrition students was extremely low at only 2%.

The statistics were revealed during the panel discussion the beverage brand hosted along with the Confederation of Indian Industry on the World Food Day.

The discussion revolved around the role of nutrition for the young population in India, the importance of incorporating whole grains, protein-rich food, locally available fresh fruits and vegetables to improve nutritional quality of daily diet.

Vinita Bali, Chairperson, CII National Committee on Nutrition, said: "Nutrition is complex and, therefore, needs to be simplified so that each one of us can make well- informed and responsible choices about the food we eat and the lifestyles we adopt. A day like today puts the spotlight on food and hopefully generates enough interest and curiosity among people to be well-informed and make the right choices for their own well-being -- both in terms of fresh as well as packaged food."

Dr Jagmeet Madan, National President of Indian Dietetic Association, said that making right and simple nutrition connect with the important stakeholders of this country is the prerequisite to a healthy nation.

"India is a young nation. Making the right and simple nutrition connect with the important stakeholders of this country is a prerequisite to a Healthy Nation. The key messages in nourishing Young India are -- Build a Happy and Healthy relationship with Food; Make it Simple; Focus on Ingredients and Diversity in your plate. The endeavour of each nutritionist today should be to create a tsunami of scientific and credible information in a palatable form for the young India," she added.

Meanwhile, Ahmed ElSheikh, President, PepsiCo India, said: "Nutrition is intrinsic to human development. It is a crucial driver of a healthier society, a more productive population and a stronger economy. The National Nutrition Mission is an important initiative of the government of India to create awareness around the right dietary habits. In fact, the current challenging times have only heightened the desire of people to stay healthy."

He also spoke about India's commitment under the 'Eat Right' initiative.

PepsiCo India has trained over 150 college students pursuing BSc and MSc courses as 'Eat Right' Fellows. These students will further impart nutrition education among 50,000 schoolchildren across the country by the end of February 2021.