Hyderabad: 02^nd July, 2026: GEF India, in association with the Indian Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (IAPEN India) Hyderabad Chapter, hosted a Nutrition Meet on the theme “Nutritional Insights and Everyday Value of Rice Bran Oil“, bringing together nutritionists, dietitians, healthcare professionals and industry experts to discuss the importance of evidence-based nutrition and the role of healthy cooking oils in preventive healthcare. The session was led by renowned Consultant Nutritionist Dr. Matheen Asrar, who shared scientific insights on dietary fats, everyday nutrition and practical approaches to making healthier food choices.

The session focused on the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, highlighting the importance of preventive nutrition in improving long term health outcomes. Experts emphasised that while cooking oil is a staple ingredient in almost every Indian household, consumers often make decisions based on misconceptions rather than scientific evidence. They stressed the need to shift the conversation from reducing fat intake to choosing the right quality of fats and following balanced dietary practices.

Dr. Matheen explained that fats are essential for brain function, hormone production, cell health and vitamin absorption, and should not be eliminated but balanced through quality and moderation. She highlighted that Rice Bran Oil contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats along with bioactives such as oryzanol, tocopherols and tocotrienols, which have been studied for their role in supporting cholesterol management. Its high smoke point also makes it suitable for Indian cooking methods such as deep frying and stir frying. Referring to published evidence, she noted that Rice Bran Oil consumption has been associated with up to a 12% reduction in LDL cholesterol over four weeks, while a meta-analysis of 11 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 572 participants reported reductions in LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides. She added that these benefits are comparable to those of other unsaturated vegetable oils. However, she reiterated that the choice of cooking oil, together with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle, remains key to maintaining good health

Speaking during the session, Dr. Matheen Asrar, RD, PhD, PGDHA, CDE and Consultant Nutritionist, said, “Good nutrition is built on informed choices guided by credible scientific evidence rather than misconceptions or changing dietary trends. As consumers have access to an abundance of nutrition information, it is important to distinguish facts from myths and adopt dietary habits that are practical, balanced and sustainable. Rice Bran Oil is one of the cooking oils with a well-documented nutritional profile and can be included as part of a healthy diet. However, lasting health is shaped by overall dietary patterns, regular physical activity and consistent lifestyle practices rather than any single food or ingredient.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Sujata Stephen, General Secretary, IAPEN Telangana Chapter, said, “Nutrition awareness plays a vital role in improving public health and empowering individuals to make informed dietary choices. At IAPEN Telangana Chapter, we are committed to advancing nutrition education by encouraging knowledge sharing among healthcare professionals and promoting practical dietary guidance for the wider community. Our association with GEF India for this Nutrition Meet provided a valuable platform to discuss preventive nutrition, healthy cooking practices and the nutritional value of Rice Bran Oil. We believe that continued collaboration between healthcare professionals, nutrition experts and responsible industry partners can contribute significantly to promoting healthier lifestyles and supporting long term health and wellbeing.”

Adding to this, Mr. Chetan Pimpalkhute, Marketing Head, Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils, said, “At GEF India, we recognise that consumers today are increasingly seeking practical and reliable nutrition information to support healthier lifestyles. Through this Nutrition Meet, we aimed to simplify the science behind Rice Bran Oil and highlight its everyday nutritional value as part of a balanced diet. Freedom Rice Bran Oil reflects this commitment through its nutritional profile, including a high oryzanol content of more than 10,000 ppm, along with naturally occurring antioxidants such as tocopherols and tocotrienols, making it a practical choice for everyday cooking. By bringing together leading nutrition experts and healthcare professionals, we hope to encourage greater nutrition literacy, inspire healthier cooking practices and empower consumers to make informed food choices with greater confidence.”

The interactive session concluded with experts encouraging consumers to adopt a holistic approach to health through balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and informed cooking oil choices, reiterating that no single food or oil can ensure good health and that long-term wellness depends on consistent lifestyle habits supported by scientific evidence. The Nutrition Meet reflected the shared commitment of GEF India and IAPEN India Hyderabad Chapter to advancing nutrition awareness through credible knowledge-sharing initiatives, bringing together nutrition experts, healthcare professionals and industry leaders to reinforce the importance of evidence-based education in promoting healthier communities and empowering consumers to make informed dietary decisions.

The post GEF India and IAPEN Hyderabad Chapter Hosted Nutrition Meet appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Dr. Alka Rao, Advisor, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Govt. of India stated that FSSAI does not endorse or defamation of any food ingredient without credible scientific evidence. Our stakeholder consultation framework remains open and inclusive, allowing individuals, industry bodies and experts to present scientific data and perspectives for consideration. Palm oil continues to be widely used in Indian households and the food industry owing to its stability and suitability for high-temperature cooking applications. As India’s apex food regulator, FSSAI remains committed to promoting evidence based nutrition awareness and encouraging balanced, informed dietary choices among consumers.

Dr. Shri Rishi Kant, Additional Economic Advisor, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India said that India’s renewed focus on strengthening domestic palm oil cultivation is a significant step towards strengthening the country’s edible oil security and reducing import dependence. Through initiatives such as the National Mission on Edible Oils, The government is creating an enabling ecosystem for farmers through improved infrastructure, financial incentives and stronger market linkages. India has also expanded its oil palm cultivation ambitions significantly, with the targeted area increasing from 6.5 lakh hectares to nearly 10 lakh hectares by 2025–26.

Dr. Vivek Srivastav, Chair, Nutraceuticals Task Force,PHDCCI & CEO, Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd addressed about prevailing misconceptions around palm oil at the NutriOil Conference, emphasizing the need to distinguish scientific evidence from widespread myths. He highlighted that palm oil is often misunderstood due to selective interpretation of data and social media narratives, whereas in reality, it offers a balanced fatty acid profile along with beneficial antioxidants when consumed in moderation. He further clarified that concerns around saturated fats are frequently oversimplified and should be viewed in the context of overall dietary patterns. On the sustainability front, he pointed out that palm oil is one of the most efficient oil crops and that responsible, sustainable production practices are already being adopted globally.

Dr. Narendra Tripathi, Co-Chair, Nutraceuticals Task Force,PHDCCI & AVP-Quality & Regulatory Affairs, Bacfo India Limited said that Palm oil is the most consumed vegetable oil in the world, contributing nearly one third of global vegetable oil production. Its widespread use is not accidental it is driven by efficiency, affordability, and versatility. For a country like India, where ensuring food affordability is critical, palm oil plays a significant role in meeting the edible oil demand of millions of households.

The Inaugural session was moderated by Dr. Nasir Jamal, Director, PHDCCI

In addition, the NutriOil Conference hosted three technical sessions tailored for industry stakeholders, facilitating focused knowledge exchange.

The first session was conducted on “Palm Oil in Focus: Facts, Science and Perspectives” in Nutrioil conference. The eminent panelist present were Dr. Alka Rao, Advisor, Food Safety and Standards Authority of    India (FSSAI) Govt. of India, Dr. Rajni Chopra, Professor & Head of Department of Food Science and Technology, NIFTM, Dr. Ravinder Singh, Sr. Scientist and Head, WHO Collaborating Centre for Policy Research in Assistive Technology, ICMR,  New Delhi and Dr. Varun Bansal, Senior Consultant, Robotics and Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. The session was moderator by Dr. Ruchi Srivastava, Head- Medical and Regulatory Affairs, Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

The second technical session was conducted on Food Labels and Consumer Awareness:      Reading Beyond the Pack” and Eminent Panelist present were Dr. Aparna Tandon Jain, AGM, NPD Nutrition and Dr. Sasibhushan Vedula, Head Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Kapiva and Dr. Himanshu Tiwari, President, Technical, Karma Ayurveda. The session was moderated by Dr. Vivek Srivastav, Chair, Nutraceuticals Task Force, PHDCCI and CEO, Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

The last technical session was on  “Breaking Down Fats: The Truth About Saturated and Trans Fats” and eminent panelist present were Dr. Akshay Chugh, Senior Physician,  Diabetes, Liver, Thyroid specialist, Metro Hospital, Noida, Dr. Jyoti Arora, Chief Dietician & Head, All India Institute of Ayurveda, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India and Dr. Deepak Tiwari, Sr. Physician, Dalco Healthcare. This session was moderator by Dr. Ruchi Srivastava, Head- Medical and Regulatory Affairs, Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

NutriOil Conference saw an impressive turnout of over 90 delegates from the nutraceutical industry and prominent hospitals and academia reflecting a strong sectoral engagement.

The post “FSSAI does not endorse any food Ingredient without credible scientific evidence, said Dr. Alka Rao, Advisor, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Govt. of India” appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.