Protein vs fibre: Which one carries more weight?

Should you prioritise one nutrient over another when it comes to reducing your flab or building muscle? Here's everything that you need to know about your fat loss essentials

- REWATI KARAN

60% of the population is deficit." Samaddar explains the reasons: "People are not sure of the sources. India also has a sizable vegetarian population, so the intake is pretty restricted."

The fact that most Indians are unable to incorporate a balance of protein and fibre is because of what they end up eating as their staple without taking into account the daily requirements.

"The staple diets in India differ across regions; however, they offer unique food traditions that significantly affect fibre and protein intake," says Dr Rawal. For instance, in the south, the diet is commonly based on rice, lentils, and vegetables and is often taken with fermented foods like dosa and idli. Rice would therefore provide carbohydrate intake, and lentils contribute protein. However, because rice is a refined grain, it contains a relatively small amount of dietary fibre compared to the whole grains of millet.

The coastal regions usually benefit from higher protein intake due to the availability of fish, but often the fibre consumption remains low. East India, too, is more about rice, fish, and vegetables, Dr Rawal says. Fish adds quality protein, but like other regions, rice being staple, makes the diet fibre-deficient.

In north India, the diet is mainly wheat-based in the form of rotis and parathas, often served with dal or vegetables. Wheat is a better source of fibre than the whole grains but still inadequate. It's not enough for protein unless accompanied by legumes or dairy, and is often paired with dairy products like curd and paneer providing protein.