A baby must be breastfed for the first six months after birth, without even a drop of water in that period. The first milk a mother gives is called colostrum (shaldudh). It is yellow and protects against disease.

After that the child must be introduced to new foods. First come liquids such as fruit juices and thin vegetable soup; then the liquids can be thickened, and rice, lentils and vegetables can be blended. Gradually the child should get used to soft food such as soft boiled fish, soft rice and egg yolk. Milk with semolina can also be given.

Khichuri is one of the most important complementary foods for a child. Tests have shown that when grain and lentils are in a 5:1 ratio, their combined protein helps build the body. Khichuri is therefore nutritious and tasty. A little oil, vegetables and chopped small fish can be added while cooking, and a squeeze of lemon at mealtime adds vitamin C.

Physical and mental growth reaches its peak in adolescence, so a balanced diet is needed, with protein, carbohydrates, fat, minerals and vitamins. Children of this age are often drawn to outside food, which is high in oil, fat and salt and is not good for the body. As a result, both overweight and malnutrition are seen among teenagers.

Girls often suffer from anaemia, so for iron they should regularly eat eggs, meat, liver, sea fish and green vegetables, and they need milk for calcium. For boys' sports and running about, attention must be paid to protein, vitamins and iron. An egg a day is needed for body-building and stamina.

In middle age people's workload increases, so they need energy, since they burn more calories. Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies also appear at this age, so food with calcium and vitamin D is needed. A lack of these two causes bone disease, and bones become brittle.

Physical work decreases in old age, but the need for vitamins and minerals does not. With age, people suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease and joint problems, and digestion weakens. It is better for them to avoid heavy, oily and spicy food.

Suitable foods for older people include soft khichuri, flattened rice (chira) with milk or yoghurt, puffed rice, soup, milk and bread, thin dal with bread, milk with sago and milk with semolina. Fruit juice, pudding, halwa and custard can also be eaten.

Source: Samakal. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.