Gandhi followed a diet patter n that most nutritionists consider an ideal diet. But, to what extent is that diet practical for a modern individual?

GANDHI'S DIETARY ADVICE

Diet must include milk and milk products such as curd, butter, ghee.

· Condiments such as chillies, pepper, turmeric, coriander, mustard and fenugreek should be avoided, unless prescribed by a doctor.

· Cereals, specially wheat, should be an important part of the diet. Sieving the flour should be avoided. Prefer unpolished rice to polished rice, which is more nutritious.

· Starchy foods should be eaten in a relatively dry form to ensure greater flow of saliva for mastication.

· People leading sedentary lives can do without pulses.

· Fresh leafy vegetables should be taken everyday.

· Daily diet should include seasonal fruits. The best time for taking fruits is early in the morning.

· Food should also have a certain amount of fat. It can be obtained from ghee or oil. Oil is not as nourishing as pure ghee.

· Although sweet fruits supply plenty of sugar, there is no harm in taking one or two ounces of sugar, brown or white, in a day.

· Avoid taking tea or coffee.