Hypercholesterolemia (literally: high blood pressure) is the presence of high level of cholesterol in the blood. It is a modifiable risk factor for heart diseases. It is not a disease but a metabolic derangement secondary to many disease particularly CHD. The aim of the project was to identify the anthropometric factors responsible for hypercholesterolemia by collecting data in a questionnaire form. The study was done on 100 patients and 50 normal subjects. Selection criteria for experimental group were LDL≥130mg/dl; HDL≤40 mg/dl; and Total Cholesterol (TC) ≥200mg/dl and free from any serious complications and control group had normal range of LDL, HDL and TC. Subjects were divided in two groups – control and test. It was found that hypercholesterolemic patients have higher levels of BMI; waist circumference, BSF, TSF and body fat than the control group. Higher body fat; Waist hip ratio; TSF; BSF and increased body fat could be a precipitating factor towards hypercholesterolemia in these patients but further studies will be required to validate the hypothesis.

Ninety male diabetic subjects aged 35–50 years, free from the serious complications were selected and equally divided into three groups’ viz. Nutrition counselling Group (NCG), Chromium Supplementation Group (CSG) and Only Medication Group (OMG). All the groups were treated as their own control groups for a period of one month and further followed for three months. NCG was imparted nutrition counselling in individual and group contact along with the prescribed medicines. CSG was given chromium in the form of chromium picolinate (CrPic) capsules (200 mcg/day) for the period of three months along with prescribed medicines. OMG was only on the medication. In NCG majority of the subjects during pre–test obtained scores in the range of 31–40 (56.67%), whereas after three months of nutrition counselling a higher percentage of (63.34%) of the subjects obtained scores in the range of 71–80 and 33.33% subjects scored more than 81 scores. There was a significant (p≤ 0.01) improvement observed in the scores of NCG in their knowledge (187.63%; 6.63 to 19.07), attitudes (78.98%; 26.50 to 47.43) and practices (821.9%; 1.37 to 12.63) before (pre-test) and after (post-test) after three months of nutrition counselling. The total scores in the NCG improved 130.50% from 34.33 to 79.13. The difference in the knowledge, attitude and practices(KAP) scores among NCG and CSG, NCG and OMG was significant before (p≤0.05) and after (p≤0.01) three months, except for the practices which were statistically at par among three groups before the nutrition counselling. The improved knowledge scores clearly indicate the benefits of nutrition counselling. Thus, nutrition counselling can be an effective measure for bringing favorable and significant changes in the food intake, nutritional profile and knowledge of male diabetic subjects.

Sixty adolescent girls of working mothers aged 16-18 years who used to eat junk foods frequently were selected from two different schools in Ludhiana and divided equally into two groups viz. Experimental (E) and Control (C). The data on demographic information and junk food consumption pattern were recorded before and after nutrition counseling. Nutrition counseling was imparted for a period of three months through modules, lectures, visual aids in group E and was assessed by Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) test before and after nutrition counseling. It was observed that 86.7 and 93.3 per cent of subjects spent their monthly pocket money on junk foods in group E and C and majority ate junk foods at least once a week. It was observed that junk foods contributed to 54 and 57 per cent and 50 and 52.20 per cent to total energy intake in group E and C before and after nutrition counseling respectively. It was observed that the mean scores for nutrition knowledge improved significantly (P≤0.01) in post test from 25.00 to 36.24 in group E, while non-significant (21.80 to 22.13) in group C. Majority of the subjects had moved towards high score with gain in scores and quantum of improvement was 11.24 and 1.45 times in group E respectively. It was concluded that nutrition counseling resulted in decreased intake of junk foods, rather they started eating healthy foods as taught during nutrition counseling sessions. There was also an improvement in scores of knowledge, attitudes and practices in group E. It was suggested that nutrition counseling should be given for longer duration to change their dietary habits.

Sixty adolescent girls of working mothers aged 1618 years who used to eat junk foods frequently were selected from two schools in Ludhiana and divided equally into two groups viz. Experimental (E) and Control (C). Nutrition counseling was imparted for a period of three months. The data on demographic information, junk food consumption pattern, food intake and anthropometric parameters were recorded before and after nutrition counseling. The mean monthly per capita income was Rs. 4432.2±3309.46 and Rs.7347.73±9068.23 in both the groups respectively. It was observed that 86.7 & 93.3 per cent of subjects spent their monthly pocket money on junk foods in group E & C and majority ate junk foods once a week. Junk foods contributed to 54 & 57 per cent and 50 & 54.32 per cent to total energy intake in group E & C before and after nutrition counseling respectively. The daily intake of cereals, pulses, roots & tubers, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fruits and milk & milk products increased, while intake of fat & oils decreased in group E after nutrition counseling. A significant (P≤0.01) reduction in weight i.e. 55.5 to 54.5 kg and BMI i.e. 22.09 to 21.06 kg/m2 was observed in group E. The results of present investigation suggested that there is need to focus on nutrition counseling to facilitate the intake of healthy junk foods like fermented foods, wheat noodles by adding lots of vegetables, sprouted pulses, sprouted tikki, vegetable samosa & cutlets, wheat and multigrain bread.

Ninety at risk Coronary heart diseased males aged 40–50 years, free from serious complications were selected and equally divided into three groups viz. E1, E2 and C. Subjects of group E1 were provided 150 ml of probiotic yoghurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus (MTCC-447) in the inoculum rate of 1.0 per cent and E2 with 150 ml probiotic yoghurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus (MTCC-447) and Streptococcus thermophilus (MTCC1938) in the inoculums rate of 1.5 per cent for a period of two months respectively, while group C was not given any supplementation. Nutrient intake, blood lipid levels and blood pressure of all the subjects were recorded before and after the supplementation period. It was observed that significant (p≤0.01) increase in calcium, phosphorus and riboflavin intake was reported in both the experimental groups. After supplementation, it was seen that total cholesterol decreased from 209.33±5.12mg/dl to 180.06±4.46mg/dl and 212.90±5.61mg/dl to 178.36±4.54mg/dl and Low density lipoprotein cholesterol level decreased from 127.04±5.25mg/dl to 108.88±4.92mg/dl and 128.44±5.72mg/dl to 106.44±4.94mg/dl in the subjects of group E1 and E2 respectively. It was also observed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) also decreased from131.46±1.62mm Hg to 124.16±1.50mm Hg and 132.42±2.10mm Hg to 124.12±2.25mm Hg whereas diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased from 86.42±1.24mm Hg to 82.32±1.25mm Hg and 88.24±1.98mm Hg to 83.34±1.68mm Hg in the subjects of group E1 and E2 respectively. The improvement was more in E2 group as compared to E1 group. Any added effect, therefore, is due to the consumption of fermented milk products The hypocholesterolemic effect of the probiotics has been attributed to their ability to bind cholesterol in the small intestine. Cholesterol can also be converted in the intestines to coprostanol, which is directly excreted in faeces. This decreases the amount of cholesterol being absorbed, leading to a reduced concentration in the physiological cholesterol pool. Hence can be a panacea in counteracting the problems of Coronary Heart diseases.

A sample of sixty adolescent girls of working mothers aged 16–18 years frequently were selected from two schools in Ludhiana and divided equally into two groups viz. Experimental (E) and Control (C). The data on demographic information, junk food consumption pattern, nutrient intake, clinical, morbidity and haematological profile were recorded before and after nutrition counseling. Nutrition counseling was imparted for a period of three months through modules, lectures and visual aids to group E. It was observed that 86.7 & 93.3 per cent of subjects spent their monthly pocket money on junk foods in group E & C respectively and majority ate junk foods once a week at least. It was observed that junk foods contributed to 54 & 57 per cent and 50 & 52.20 per cent to total energy intake in group E & C before and after nutrition counseling respectively. The daily intake of energy (74%), protein (65.45%), s-carotene (65%), niacin (45%), vitamin B12 (28%), iron (36%), calcium (64.4%) was less than ICMR (2010) recommendations, while intake of fats, thiamine and ascorbic acid was adequate in group E after nutrition counseling. Nutritional deficiency symptoms such as feeling of fatigue & lethargy were most common among 73.3 and 43.3 per cent in both the groups respectively. It was observed that 50 and 33.3 per cent suffered from common cold, 50 and 26.7 per cent from cough before and after nutrition counseling in group E respectively, while no change was observed in group C. It was observed that mean Haemaglobin levels were 9.14±1.56 and 8.56±1.67 g/dl in group E and C before nutrition counseling, it increased to 9.78±1.32 g/dl in group E after nutrition counseling, while no change was observed in group C. It was suggested that there is need to impart nutrition counseling for longer duration to improve their health status.

Abstract A total of ninety NIDDM male patients aged 35-50 years, were studied for this work and equally divided into three groups viz. Nutrition Counseling Group (NCG) that imparted nutrition counseling through lectures, demonstrations and visual aids etc. along with prescribed medication, Chromium Supplementation Group (CSG) that was given chromium picolinate (CrPic) capsules (200μg/day) along with prescribed medication and Only Medication Group (OMG) that was on prescribed medication. After a period of three months, a significant (p £ 0.01) improvement in the fasting blood glucose and post prandial glucose levels was observed in both NCG and CSG patients. There was a significant decrease in HbA1c values among the subjects in NCG (P £ 0.01) and CSG (p £ 0.05). Serum analysis showed that the chromium content of 0.54 ± 0.14 ppb significantly (p £ 0.01) increased to 2.42 ± 0.55 ppb after the study. The findings of the present study revealed that chromium supplementation and nutrition counseling, independently and significantly (p £ 0.01) decreased TC, TG, LDL-C and VLDL-C and increased HDL-C in three months time. The reduction in TG and VLDL– C was less significant (p £ 0.01) in CSG as compared to NCG. The HDL / TC ratio significantly (p £ 0.01) improved in both the NCG (0.19 to 0.23) and CSG (0.21to 0.23), indicating the lower risk of heart attack. Hence, chromium supplementation is suggested in diabetes as it is effective in improving glycemic index and lipid profile and nutrition counseling should be intensively imparted for a longer period and delivered by a dietician.

Diabetes is a chronic disease marked by higher level of blood glucose from defects in insulin production, insulin action or both. India has the maximum number of diabetic patients in the world and this had given the country the dubious distinction of being the Diabetic Capital of the world. Diabetes mellitus with its devastating consequences has assumed epidemic proportions as its prevalence is on a rise globally.

Ninety non-insulin dependent menopausal diabetic Female subjects Free From serious complications were selected and equally divided into three groups, viz. E-1, E-2 and C. Subjects of group E-1 and E-2 were provided 15g and 20 g of flaxseed powder For a period of two months respectively, while group C was not given any supplementation. Nutrient intake and menopausal symptoms of all the subjects were recorded before and after the supplementation period. Results indicate that blood glucose level decreased significantly in the both the experimental groups alter the supplementation. It could be due to the presence of fibre in flaxseed which delays blood glucose absorption. Alter the supplementation period. significant (p <= 0.01) decrease in the energy intake was observed in both the experimental groups and it could be due to the presence or fibre in the flaxseed which gives a high satiety value and results in decreased consumption of energy rich foods. It was observed that majority oh the subjects were physically inactive and watching TV was most popular way of relaxation among all the subjects. Further, it was observed that menopausal symptoms were relieved alter supplementation, this decrease could be due to the presence of phytoestrogens in the flaxseed. It can be inferred From the results that improvement in the blood glucose levels and menopausal symptoms of diabetic subjects was observed among the subjects of E-2 group as compared to E-1 group. Hence, this can can be a panacea in counteracting the problems of menopausal diabetic patients.

With 100 million people affected by heart related diseases, India is set to be the heart disease capital of the world by 2010. India will have 62 million patients with heart disease by 2015, compared to 16 million in the US. The rate of heart attacks among Indians younger than 45 years of age in the last three years was five times higher than in other populations. If urgent preventive steps are not taken, heart attack deaths in India are likely to double by 2015. It is predicted by the year 2015, almost 20 million people will die from CVD, mainly from heart diseases and stroke.

Ninety non-insulin dependent menopausal diabetic female subjects free from serious complications were selected and equally divided into three groups viz. E1, E2 and C. Subjects of group E1 and E2 were provided 15g and 20 g of flaxseed powder for a period of two months respectively, while group C was not given any supplementation. Dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, blood glucose levels and menopausal symptoms of all the subjects were recorded before and after the supplementation period. It was observed that after the supplementation period, significant (p≤0.01) decrease in the cereal intake was reported in both the experimental groups. After the supplementation, it was seen that fasting blood glucose level decreased from 135.75±2.09 to 127.01±2.16 and 132.73±2.15 mg/dl to 115.46±2.00mg/dl and post prandial blood glucose level decreased from 190.4±8.44 to 175.23±8.52 and 188.23±8.77mg/dl to 152.23±6.67mg/dl in the subjects of group E1 and E2 respectively. Decrease in weight and BMI was observed in group E1 and E2. Further it was observed that menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, depression, night sweats, lack of sleep and burning sensation were relieved. It can be inferred from the results that better improvement in the blood glucose levels and menopausal symptoms was observed among the subjects of group E2 as compared to group E1. Hence can be a panacea in counteracting the problems of menopausal diabetic patients.

Sweet milk products namely custard, kulfiand sandeshwere prepared using stevia powder. Stevia was added at three different levels in the experimental products while sugar was added in the control product. The organoleptic evaluation of the products was done by a panel of judges to select the most acceptable level of stevia in all the products. The products with most acceptable level of stevia and with sugar were analyzed for their proximate composition. It was found that custard, kulfiand sandeshwere acceptable at 25mg stevia as compared to the control recipe. The modified recipe of custard had 81.92g of moisture, 3.91g of protein, 1.35g of fat, 11.55g of carbohydrates and provided 74Kcal of energy. The modified recipe of kulfihad 58.81g of moisture, 9.37g of protein, 13.1g of fat, 15.95g of carbohydrates and provided 219 Kcal of energy. The modified recipe of sandeshhad 67.40g of moisture, 18.84g of protein, 1.77g of fat, 8.37g of carbohydrates and provided 125Kcal of energy. The percent decrease in calories provided by modified recipe compared to the basic recipe was custard 23.71%, kulfi30.03% and sandesh 21.38%. Sweet milk products using stevia powder were highly acceptable upto 25mg and and are low in calories as compared to the basic recipe which makes them suitable for consumption by diabetics.

Sixty pregnant women 30 each in Group I(Industrial area) and Group II (Non industrial area in the age group of 20 to 28 years, belonging to low income group having monthly per capita income of Rs 969.83 and Rs 631.87 of Bathinda city were selected during 7th month of pregnancy . The mean daily intake of energy, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins B12, niacin, iron, folic acid, sodium and zinc was inadequate when compared with ICMR standards. Common symptoms of iron deficiency were pale conjunctiva, paleness of skin, pallor of tongue and fatigue. The mean birth weight was 1923.3+359.0 and 2320+-426.3 gram in Group I and II respectively. It was further observed that 16.67 and30.0 percent of newborns had respiratory infections and fever at the time of birth. It could be due to poor hygienic status, higher maternal exposure to pollutants in Group I. It is concluded that inadequate nutrient intake, poor sanitation and exposure to environmental pollutants resulted in higher incidence of prematurity and low birth weight in subjects of Group I.

Sixty at risk of coronary heart disease subjects in the age group of 40-60 years were selected from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The subjects were equally divided into three groups i.e. E-1, E-2 and C respectively. Flaxseed in powdered form was supplemented at the levels of 5 and 10 g to E-1, and E-2, groups respectively for a period of two months, while C group was not supplemented. The effects of flaxseed powder were studied on nutrient and hematological profile of the subjects. After the supplementation, significant (p<0.05) decrease in the energy intake was reported in E-2 group while protein intake significantly (p<0.05) increased in E-2 group and total fat intake reduced significantly (p<0.05) in all three groups. Decrease in energy intake could be due to flaxseed supplementation which is good source of soluble fibre thus gives feeling of fullness and reduced the food intake which ultimately decreased the energy intake. The mean intake of vitamin B-2, B-3 and vitamin C decreased in all the three groups, though it was nonsignificant. Further, an increase in haemoglobin was reported in experimental groups which could be due to presence of protein, copper, folic acid and vitamin B-6 in flaxseed which helped in hemopoesis and thus improved iron status.

Sixty at risk of coronary heart disease subjects in the age group of 40–50 yrs were selected. The subjects were equally divided into three groups i.e. E1, E2 and C group. Subjects of the E1 and E2 groups were provided oat flour to supplement the wheat flour in the ratio of1:4 and 1:3, respectively, for a period of two months, while C group was not given any form of supplementation. A significant (p?0.05) decrease in energy intake was observed while total fat intake decreased significantly in E1 (p?0.05) and E2 (p?0.01) groups. Blood pressure and blood lipid profile of all the subjects were recorded before and after the supplementation period. A significant (p?0.01) reduction in systolic and diastolic BP, TC and TG was reported in the E1 and E2 groups and a significant (p?0.01) increase in HDL-C was reported in E2 group. Further, a significant decrease in LDL-C and VLDL-C levels was reported in E1 (p?0.05) and E2 groups. It is concluded that better results in blood pressure and blood lipid profile were obtained in E2 group, followed by E1 group. It could be due to the presence of soluble fibre i.e. ?-glucan, gamma linolenic acid and antioxidants present in oats, which is responsible for reduction in LDL-C and lowering of total cholesterol, thus, exhibiting a cardio-protective mechanism. It is thus suggested that oat flour supplementation in the ratio of 1:3 can be a panacea in counteracting the problems of heart patients.

Fifty non-insulin dependent diabetic subjects, 25 males and 25 females, free from serious complications were selected from posh areas of Ludhiana city. Diabetic and dietary information was collected using a questionnaire. Diabetic information of the subjects related to etiology of disease, family history and prevalence of symptoms was collected. Dietary information of the subjects was collected to know about their food habits and frequency of consumption of different food groups. Activity pattern of the subjects was recorded from their daily routine, and their involvement in other activities like time spent in recreational activities. Type of job, working hours, duration of sleep and any kind of physical exercise was recorded. Various anthropometric parameters viz. height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Hip Ratio (WHR), were recorded. The most common reason for diabetes among the selected subjects was obesity which lead 22% subjects to be diabetic. Family history of diabetes was found in 38% subjects. The most common symptoms were polyuria (56%), polydypsia (48%), nocturia (44%), delayed healing (44%), polyphagia (40%) and loss of weight (38%). Twenty-eight percent of the males had normal weight and 56% and 16% males were in 1st and 2nd grades of obesity respectively. Sixty-eight percent and 24% of the female subjects were in 1st and 2nd grades of obesity respectively. As reported by the subjects, majority of them (78%) were not doing any kind of physical exercise. In all 76% of the subjects had disturbed sleep of 5-6 hours. It was found that the majority of the subjects 54% were ova/non-vegetarians. Ninety-four percent subjects liked sweet and salty foods. All the subjects took wheat flour thrice a day. Pulses were consumed by 90% subjects once a day. Forty-eight percent subjects used GLV’s twice a week, 84% of the subjects consumed roots and tubers at least once a day. Fifty-two percent of the subjects consumed fruits once daily. All the subjects consumed milk. About 50% of the subjects consumed fried foods daily.

Present study is an endeavour to examine the effect of supplementation of sprouted fenugreek seeds on blood glucose, lipid profile and blood pressure of non insulin dependent diabetip males. A group of 60 male Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) patients in the age group of 40–60 years free from serious complications of diabetes were selected from Punjab Agricultural University Hospital, Ludhiana. Subjects were divided into 2 groups i.e. experimental (E) and control (C) group consisting of 30 subjects in each group. Subjects of E group were supplied 25 g sprouted fenugreek seeds per day for two months while no supplementation was given to the C group. The results revealed that mean age of onset of diabetes was 45 and 47 years in E and C group, respectively. Supplementation of sprouted fenugreek seeds resulted in a significant (P ≤ 0.01) decease in fasting blood glucose level (20.34 percent) and post prandial glucose level (15.1%). Lipid profile of the subjects also showed percentage decrease of 10.1, 23, 12.4 and 23 per cent in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) respectively in experimental group. Further TC: HDL and LDL: HDL ratios were also decreased 18.3 and 21.1 percent respectively. However, 11 percent increase was observed in HDL-C. Regarding the blood pressure of the subjects, Systolic blood pressure was decreased significantly (P≤0.01) fom 132 to 128mmHg and Diastolic blood pressure (P ≤ 0.05) fom 84 to 81 mmHg after the supplementation, thus helping in retarding the secondary complications of diabetes.

Sixty pregnant women [30 each in group I (industrial area) and II (non-industrial area)] in the age group of 20-28 years belonging to low income group (having monthly per capita income of Rs. 969.83 and Rs. 631.87) of Bathinda city were selected during 7(th) month of pregnancy to study the impact of iron status of pregnant women on the anthropometry of their newborns. The mean daily intake of energy, protein, carbohydrates, vit-B-12, niacin, iron, folic acid, sodium and zinc was inadequate. Intake of beta-carotene, vit-B-1 and B-2 was marginally adequate. The higher incidence of anemia was observed (93%) in group I as compared to group II (83%). Inadequate iron intake was the cause of poor iron status in both the groups but environmental pollution in group I was major and additional factor contributed to low hemoglobin levels among the subjects. The other haemopoetic indices eg. PCV, MCV, MCH and MCHC were also lower as compared to the subjects in group II. Incidence of low birth weight was higher in group I (100%) as compared to group (76.67%). Other anthropometric measurements were also lower in the new borns of group I when compared to group II. Thus, besides the remedial techniques, environmental education and awareness programme should be implemented for the masses because "unless the environment is healthy, the individual cannot be healthy".

The incidence of diabetes is increasing all over the world affecting more than 246 million people. Ninety non Insulin dependent male diabetic Subjects in the age group of 40-60 years were selected from PAU, Ludhiana to study the effect of supplementation of tulsi and neem leaves on the signs and symptoms anthropometric parameters and blood pressure of the diabetic subjects. General information of the subjects was recorded by interview schedule. After one month control period ninety subjects were divided into three groups of 30 each. Group I was given tulsi leaf powder, group II was given neem leaf powder and group III given mixture of both leaf powder in the form of capsules, Daily dosage of four capsules i.e. 2 g powder (Lunch and dinner) was given and supplementation was carried Out for a perioi of 3 months. The most common symptoms of diabetes observed in diabetic patients were polydypsia, polyurea, polyphagia and tiredness. Some other symptoms were sweating, burning feet, itching and headache. SiRnificant reduction in all the diabetic symptoms was observed in all the three groups but maximum reduction was seen in group III patient who were given mixture of tulsi and neem leaf powder. Significant percent reduction in the symptoms like polydypsia (35, 33, 40), polyphagia (21, 35, 40) and headache (27, 38 40) was observed in group I, II and III respectively. It can be concluded from the study that tulsi and neem leaves are helpful in reducing the diabetic symptoms and blood pressure of the subjects. Non significant improvement in the anthropometric parameters of the subjects was observed after supplementation of tulsi and neem leaves powder of the patients. Therefore these leaves should be regularly consumed by the diabetic patients to get relief from the diabetic symptoms.