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CFTRI showcases products with superfoods, including chia, quinoa, Omega-3
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Monday, 28 November, 2016, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Bengaluru
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CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) displayed its capability with the development of superfoods. It maximised theagri-products which are now grown in India and are healthy, nutritious and affordable for the common man.
Chia- and quinoa-based chocolates and laddoos, Omega-3 enriched ice-cream, multigrain banana bar and fruit juice-based carbonated drinks were displayed at the CFTRI stall of the trade fair at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
The Indian population is presently going through a nutrition transition. There is a growing incidence of diabetes, impaired heart health and obesity along with high malnutrition.
Keeping in mind an effective solution needed to address these concerns, CSIR-CFTRI worked on bringing superfoods to the Indian population.
It developed the agro-technology for growing chia and quinoa in Indian conditions. Chia is the richest source of omega-3 fats from a vegetarian source.Quinoa has protein content and low glycemic load carbohydrates. Both chia and quinoa canblend seamlessly into traditional food preparations.
In addition, the institute was in the process of testing of diacylglycerol (DAG) cooking oil withanti-obesity functionalities whichis in the final phase of human clinical trials.
Italso developed snacks to support the nutrition needs of growing children, which now complement the existing government mid-day meal.
The products, such as nutri-chikki with spirulina, rice beverage mix, high-protein rusk, energy food, nutri sprinkle, sesame paste and fortified mango bars have been well accepted by the children. The institute stated that a new addition was multi-grain banana bars.
Another area of multidisciplinary research being done at CSIR-CFTRI is on nanotechnology, food technology and nutrition. Here nanomaterials are known for their characteristic properties, and CSIR-CFTRI ihad been working on the use of nanoparticles for various applications like food packaging material. Thenanoparticles have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties to improve the shelflife of processed foods.
The Mysuru-based institute stated that it was also working on smart foods to answer the specific needs of the consumer. These are being developed for better sleep, better skin health, improved digestion, better cognitive performance and better stress management.
The high science is brought into a simple food product, like a cereal bar which helps one to be attentive over the day, a unique dosa mix that helps in working out better at the gym with lower exhaustion or a special soup to help sleep better.
The institute has over 300 products, processes and equipment designs, and around 4,000 licensees.
“Our mandate is to find innovative solutions to India agricultural and nutritional challenges. Our aim is to develop products to make Indian agriculture productive, efficient and at a consumer level gradually replace drugs with foods that will promote better health and wellness. We strive to deliver our best in improving food security and nutrition security, also developing a stronger, smarter and healthier India,” said Ram Rajasekharan, director, CFTRI.
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