Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

Union Budget 2026 Agriculture Push Will Improve Public Health, Experts Say

During today's <span>Union Budget</span>, Finance Minister <span>Nirmala Sitharaman</span> announced multiple initiatives and a staggering ₹1,62,671 crore to increase agricultural production in the country 

<span>Sitharaman</span>, who was presenting her ninth consecutive budget, said the government will support the growth of high-value crops such as <span>coconut</span>, <span>sandalwood</span>, cocoa and cashew in coastal regions, agarwood in the North East and <span>nuts</span>,s including walnuts, almonds and pine nuts. 

Dedicated programmes will focus on rejuvenating old orchards, expanding high-density cultivation and promoting value addition by engaging rural youth, while new coconut promotion schemes aimed at boosting productivity will be launched. 

She noted: "India is the world’s largest producer of coconuts. About 30 million people, including nearly 10 million farmers, depend on coconuts for their livelihood. To further enhance competitiveness in coconut production, I propose a Coconut Promotion Scheme to increase production and enhance productivity through various interventions 16 including replacing old and non-productive trees with new saplings/plants/varieties in major coconut growing states.”

And health experts across the country say that an increase in consumption of these food items can significantly help improve your health. 

Dr <span>Sunil Kutty</span>, Director and Consultant <span>Brain</span> and Spine Surgeon, NewEra Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, exclusively told Healthandme: "The Union Budget emphasises improving national nutrition and food security, recognising that better diets are foundational to health and well‑being. 

"By strengthening food systems, supporting high‑value crops and enhancing access to nutrient‑rich foods, the government aims to reduce malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and diet‑linked diseases like Type-2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Integrating nutrition‑focused initiatives with healthcare can lower the overall burden of non‑communicable conditions and improve immunity, especially among children, women and vulnerable groups.

"These measures also support rural livelihoods, increasing access to affordable, healthy food across socio‑economic groups, contributing to long‑term health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs."

<h2>Coconut: Prevents Cell Damage And Packed With Essential Minerals</h2>

When eaten in moderation, coconuts offer healthy fats (MCTs), fibre, manganese, copper, iron, potassium as well as ample of antioxidants. Potassium helps balance sodium levels in the body and potentially lowers blood pressure, while the fruit's high fibre content supports bowel health and prevents constipation.

Coconuts are also especially high in manganese, which is essential for bone health and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol. Along with this, they’re also rich in copper and iron, which help form red blood cells, as well as selenium, an important antioxidant that protects your cells and reduces cell damage which can prevent future <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span> development. 

A 2020 case study found that supplementing with coconut oil helped lower blood sugar levels in a person with diabetes, a condition characterized by unstable blood sugar levels. The researchers suggest that these effects may be due to the coconut’s anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant content.

A 2024 animal study also found that consuming coconut water after eating could help manage blood sugar levels. This could be due to bioactive compounds like ellagic acid, butin, and quercetin, among others.

<h2>Sandalwood: Skin Benefits and Anxiety Reduction </h2>

Sandalwood offers benefits for skin health (acne, ageing, brightening), mental well-being, aid sleep, and possesses anti-inflammatory, antiseptic as well as antibacterial properties, making it useful for skin irritations, respiratory issues, and even potentially lowering blood pressure.

A 2017 Sigma study suggests that lavender, sandalwood, and orange-peppermint aromatherapy helped reduce self-reported feelings in anxiety of 87 women undergoing a breast biopsy.

In a 2016 pilot study published in NPC of 32 people in Vienna, Austria, participants inhaled lavender and sandalwood oil. The study found that the participants’ blood pressure levels were lower and that the cortisol levels in their saliva were lower after the aromatherapy.

<h2>Cocoa: Boosts <span rel="noindex">Heart</span> Health</h2>

While cocoa is most famous for its role in chocolate production, it is also packed with polyphenols and reduces high blood pressure by improving nitric oxide levels. 

Researchers have previously linked polyphenols to numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation, lower blood pressure and better heart health. It also contains flavanols, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

The flavanols in cocoa also improve nitric oxide levels in the blood, which can enhance the function of the blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.

<h2>Nuts: Improve Overall Health</h2>Doctors say nuts offer heart-healthy fats, protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, which can lower heart disease and diabetes risk, improve cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and support weight management when eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. 

Over time, this can improve artery health, lower bad LDL cholesterol, and reduced risk of blood clots, with varieties like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios providing unique nutrients like omega-3s, antioxidants and selenium.

Lastly,  Pattabhi Rama Rao, Managing Director, Gourmet Popcornica also noted to Healthandme: "These measures, combined with stronger market linkages and local enterprise development, can make wholesome foods more affordable and accessible, directly supporting better nutrition and overall public health outcomes across the country. Not just this, farmers being able to access equitable income will enable them to access high-quality, nutritious food.

"By prioritising high-value and nutritious crops like coconut, cashew, cocoa, and walnuts, the government is not just enhancing farmers’ incomes but also ensuring that healthier, nutrient-rich foods are more widely available to the public. 

"Diversifying production through fisheries, livestock, and region-specific crops, like maize in Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, will improve access to proteins, healthy fats, and essential micronutrients, which are vital for balanced diets.

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During today's Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced multiple initiatives and a staggering ₹1,62,671 crore to increase agricultural production in the country Sitharaman, who was presenting her ninth consecutive budget, said the government will support the growth of high-value crops such as coconut, sandalwood, cocoa and cashew in coastal regions, agarwood in the North East and nuts,s including walnuts, almonds and pine nuts. Dedicated programmes will focus on rejuvenating old orchards, expanding high-density cultivation and promoting value addition by engaging rural youth, while new coconut promotion schemes aimed at boosting productivity will be launched. She noted: "India is the world’s largest producer of coconuts. About 30 million people, including nearly 10 million farmers, depend on coconuts for their livelihood. To further enhance competitiveness in coconut production, I propose a Coconut Promotion Scheme to increase production and enhance productivity through various interventions 16 including replacing old and non-productive trees with new saplings/plants/varieties in major coconut growing states.”And health experts across the country say that an increase in consumption of these food items can significantly help improve your health. Dr Sunil Kutty, Director and Consultant Brain and Spine Surgeon, NewEra Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, exclusively told Healthandme: "The Union Budget emphasises improving national nutrition and food security, recognising that better diets are foundational to health and well‑being. "By strengthening food systems, supporting high‑value crops and enhancing access to nutrient‑rich foods, the government aims to reduce malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and diet‑linked diseases like Type-2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Integrating nutrition‑focused initiatives with healthcare can lower the overall burden of non‑communicable conditions and improve immunity, especially among children, women and vulnerable groups."These measures also support rural livelihoods, increasing access to affordable, healthy food across socio‑economic groups, contributing to long‑term health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs."Coconut: Prevents Cell Damage And Packed With Essential MineralsWhen eaten in moderation, coconuts offer healthy fats (MCTs), fibre, manganese, copper, iron, potassium as well as ample of antioxidants. Potassium helps balance sodium levels in the body and potentially lowers blood pressure, while the fruit's high fibre content supports bowel health and prevents constipation.Coconuts are also especially high in manganese, which is essential for bone health and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol. Along with this, they’re also rich in copper and iron, which help form red blood cells, as well as selenium, an important antioxidant that protects your cells and reduces cell damage which can prevent future cancer development. A 2020 case study found that supplementing with coconut oil helped lower blood sugar levels in a person with diabetes, a condition characterized by unstable blood sugar levels. The researchers suggest that these effects may be due to the coconut’s anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant content.A 2024 animal study also found that consuming coconut water after eating could help manage blood sugar levels. This could be due to bioactive compounds like ellagic acid, butin, and quercetin, among others.Sandalwood: Skin Benefits and Anxiety Reduction Sandalwood offers benefits for skin health (acne, ageing, brightening), mental well-being, aid sleep, and possesses anti-inflammatory, antiseptic as well as antibacterial properties, making it useful for skin irritations, respiratory issues, and even potentially lowering blood pressure.A 2017 Sigma study suggests that lavender, sandalwood, and orange-peppermint aromatherapy helped reduce self-reported feelings in anxiety of 87 women undergoing a breast biopsy.In a 2016 pilot study published in NPC of 32 people in Vienna, Austria, participants inhaled lavender and sandalwood oil. The study found that the participants’ blood pressure levels were lower and that the cortisol levels in their saliva were lower after the aromatherapy.Cocoa: Boosts Heart HealthWhile cocoa is most famous for its role in chocolate production, it is also packed with polyphenols and reduces high blood pressure by improving nitric oxide levels. Researchers have previously linked polyphenols to numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation, lower blood pressure and better heart health. It also contains flavanols, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.The flavanols in cocoa also improve nitric oxide levels in the blood, which can enhance the function of the blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.Nuts: Improve Overall HealthDoctors say nuts offer heart-healthy fats, protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, which can lower heart disease and diabetes risk, improve cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and support weight management when eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Over time, this can improve artery health, lower bad LDL cholesterol, and reduced risk of blood clots, with varieties like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios providing unique nutrients like omega-3s, antioxidants and selenium.Lastly,  Pattabhi Rama Rao, Managing Director, Gourmet Popcornica also noted to Healthandme: "These measures, combined with stronger market linkages and local enterprise development, can make wholesome foods more affordable and accessible, directly supporting better nutrition and overall public health outcomes across the country. Not just this, farmers being able to access equitable income will enable them to access high-quality, nutritious food. "By prioritising high-value and nutritious crops like coconut, cashew, cocoa, and walnuts, the government is not just enhancing farmers’ incomes but also ensuring that healthier, nutrient-rich foods are more widely available to the public. "Diversifying production through fisheries, livestock, and region-specific crops, like maize in Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, will improve access to proteins, healthy fats, and essential micronutrients, which are vital for balanced diets.