Food practices of Garo Hills Meghalaya and harmful effects of Sodium Bicarbonate

Abstract

Food practices of tribal population of Garo Hills of Meghalaya are distinct and are characterized by definite areas with specific food habits, dialects and cultural homogeneity. Being simple in nature, the people in Garo Hills of Meghalaya have simple food practices and rice is mainly the staple food along with different kinds of non-vegetarian delicacies. One of the characteristic feature found among Garo families is use of soda or Sodium bicarbonate in their dishes during cooking which poses a threat to their health. The region also has the highest prevalence of anaemia found among women and children. This paper discusses harmful effects of use of Sodium bicarbonate in food and the food practices of people of Garo Hills of Meghalaya.