By Dr. Gurmeet Singh
What does food truly represent? Is it only a means of survival, or does it hold the key to health, longevity, and even the future of our planet? These were the ideas explored by Dr. Gurmeet Singh in his lecture “AyurAhaar – Food for Life: An Integrative Approach to Personalized Nutrition.”
He outlined three phases in the human understanding of food. The first was food as energy. Early tools like grinding, cutting, and cooking allowed humans to draw more energy from meat, grains, and tubers. This surplus supported larger brains and laid the foundation for cultural and social evolution.
The second was food as nutrition. With agriculture, food became linked to stability and health. Farming replaced foraging, ensuring regular supplies, while traditions like Ayurveda preserved knowledge of diet and medicinal plants. The industrial revolution increased life expectancy but also brought chronic diseases, leading to fortified foods, safety standards, and public health measures.
Today, the third phase has arrived: food as information. Nutrigenomics (how food influences gene activity), nutrigenetics (how genes affect food response), and microbiome research (the role of gut microbes) reveal that what we eat can shape metabolism, immunity, and even cognition. This has given rise to personalized nutrition tailored to individuals.
Dr. Singh noted India’s double challenge of undernutrition alongside obesity and urged reform towards sustainable, health-centered food systems. He concluded that food is not only sustenance but also a bridge between human well-being and ecological balance. The lecture left one asking: if every meal carries such power, how mindful are we of the choices we make?
