A recent study underscores the potential of blue foods—sourced from aquatic environments—to mitigate nutritional deficiencies, provide employment opportunities, and contribute to export revenue in India. Blue foods, encompassing aquatic products, are deemed essential for economies, livelihoods, and nutritional security globally.
The study, published in Nature, highlights the advantages of blue foods in reducing emissions compared to terrestrial meat. Additionally, they can enhance the health, well-being, and livelihoods of rural communities. In the Indian context, the research suggests that aquatic foods can play a crucial role in addressing B12 and omega-3 deficiencies.
The study outlines four key ways in which blue foods can contribute to global food system ambitions. These include ensuring the supply of critical nutrients, offering healthier alternatives to terrestrial meat, reducing environmental footprints associated with diets, and safeguarding the contributions of blue foods to nutrition, equitable economies, and livelihoods amid the challenges of a changing climate.
The researchers stress the importance of supporting sustainable production practices and implementing appropriate regulations to fully harness the benefits of blue foods in India and beyond. The study encourages a shift towards moderate consumption of blue foods, which can be particularly beneficial for countries with high red meat intake, helping reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and greenhouse gas emissions associated with meat consumption.
The findings emphasize the need for countries to leverage blue foods for healthy and sustainable diets, considering their potential to prevent micronutrient deficiencies and support livelihoods.
