FoodSci: Indian Journal of Research in Food Science and Nutrition

Betty Rani Isaac ¹, Usha Chandrasekhar ²

Affiliations
1 St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam, Kerala, IN
2 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Though Kerala has registered a significant improvement in key health care indicators, the health situation in the state reflects a paradox. Being a state in developmental transition, Kerala faces the double burden of pre-transition diseases like under nutrition and infectious diseases as well as post transition chronic degenerative diseases associated with overweight and obesity. In Kerala the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased many folds in the past few decades. The substantial proportion of underweight persons together with continuing high overall levels of overweight and obese persons produce dual burden of nutritional disorders for the state. The objective of the study was to elicit information on Body Mass Index (BMI), skin fold thickness and body fat percent of adult Women of Kochi, in Kerala. Adult (18-60 years), non pregnant and non lactating women from Kochi corporation area in Ernakulam district of Kerala was selected for the conduct of the present study. Kochi Corporation is divided into 72 wards comprising Urban, Rural, Coastal and Unclassified wards out of which 25 wards were selected as study locations to represent the corporation. A total of 1288 adult women were selected as study sample. BMI classification of WHO , was followed to categorise the sub sample for the in-depth study on the body composition pattern in relation to different BMI. Only 55.4 per cent of women were found to have normal weight (BMI between 18.5-24.9). Among subjects studied there was a higher percentage overweight/obese category than underweight. All the four skin fold measurements of the subjects showed a steep rise as per increase in BMI. Subjects had a higher skin fold in the late adult hood (30-60 yrs) compared to early adulthood. There was a direct proportion between BMI and per cent body fat; at higher BMI per cent body fat was also high.

Keywords

Body Fat Percent (BFP), Body Mass Index (BMI), Normal Height, Overweight, Underweight Skin Folds.

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P. S. Priyanka ¹, Betty Rani Isaac ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Home Science, St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam, Kerala, IN

Abstract

The study has been undertaken to explore the significant antibacterial activity exhibited by extract of Turmeric the dried rhizome of Cucurma longa, an herbaceous plant, and native to tropical South East Asia. It is titled as "Golden spice" as well as "spice of life" due to its cardinal role in ameliorating grievous diseases. This study also explores the effect on growth of the beneficial probiotic bacteria which keeps human gut healthy. The pathogenic bacterial strains included gram positive Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, gram negative Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The probiotic bacterial strains selected for the study included gram positive Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Disc diffusion method was opted to study the zone of inhibition exhibited by these spice extracts on the selected bacterial strains. Turmeric was effective against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. The pioneer study conducted based on the sensitivity of probiotic bacteria on the spice extract revealed that the growth of these beneficial bacteria is not inhibited. Thus the study brings out the significance of spices in maintaining the health and longevity.

Keywords

Antibacterial Activity, Disc Diffusion Method, Pathogenic, Probiotic, Turmeric.

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Christy Paul ¹, Betty Rani Isaac ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Home Science, St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam – 682011, Kerala, IN

Abstract

Jackfruit is an important underutilized fruit in Kerala and often called the poor man’s fruit because of its affordability and availability in large quantities during the season. The rich bioactive profile of jackfruit makes it a highly nutritious and desirable fruit crop. The value added products from Jackfruit namely tender jackfruit flour is now being manufactured in Kerala with minimal processing so that they can be added in recipes. Generally tender jackfruit is known to be good food for diabetic patients. Study was designed to analyse the nutrient content of tender jackfruit flour. An attempt was made to develop breakfast recipes incorporated with tender jackfruit flour for diabetic patients. The nutrient composition of tender jackfruit flour was analyzed using standardized procedures. Survey was conducted to identify the types of breakfast items which were frequently consumed by diabetic patients. Sixty diabetic patients were selected equally from urban, rural and coastal areas of Ernakulam District in Kerala to conduct the survey. The tools used to collect data in the present study were interview schedule and questionnaire. A total of eight breakfast recipes commonly used by the subjects were selected. To the basic recipe, incorporation of jackfruit flour was done until a good product was obtained. Hundred percent tender jackfruit flour could be used in Chapati, Puttu and Idiyappam. All the developed breakfast items (Puttu, Dosa, Appam, Chapatis, Porridge, Idiyappam, Upma, Idli) were evaluated for their acceptability by a semi trained panel of ten judges.

Keywords

Breakfast Recipes, Nutrient Content, Sensory Evaluation, Tender Jack Fruit Flour.

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Ann Mary Roy ¹, Betty Rani Isaac ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Home Science, St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam – 682011, Kerala, IN

Abstract

Worldwide mushrooms have gained great commercial interest due to their nutraceutical and nutritional properties, even though lots of new food products being introduced in the market day by day. Mushroom cultivation and utilization is not catching up in India. The present study was undertaken with the following objectives to have an insight on the consumer preference for mushrooms, to conduct a market survey on availability and cost of cultivated mushrooms analyze the proximate nutrient composition of the selected mushroom sand. Hundred home makers in Ernakulum city were selected to study the consumer preference for mushrooms. Survey conducted showed that majority (78%) of them did not purchase mushroom. About one- fourth (22%) of urban consumers bought mushrooms [white button mushroom (Agaricus), oyster mushroom (Pleurotus) and milky mushrooms (Calocybe)]. Market survey revealed that only three mushroom species namely, Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotuso streatus and Calocybe indica were available in Ernakulam market. Proximate analysis of these three varieties of mushrooms showed that mushrooms are rich in protein (15.4 g to 21.3 g) and fiber (8.3 g to 19.8 g) but low in fat content (2.9 g to 4.7 g) per 100 gms.

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Betty Rani Isaac ¹, P. G. Mary Sneha ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Home Science, St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam – 682035, Kerala, IN

Abstract

Pineapple is considered as one of the most wanted fruit crop grown in the tropical and subtropical areas. Many varieties of pineapple are cultivated in the world. Mauritius variety is one of the important fruit crops of pineapple. The Vazhakulam area in Ernakulam district of Kerala state has more concentrated in pineapple cultivation. The present study aimed to determine the physical properties of Vazhakkulam pineapple (Mauritius grade) before and after minimal processing. The present study revealed that the fresh pineapple comprises of TSS (12.20 Brix), acidity (0.64%), firmness (12 Kg/cm2 ), sweetness index (19.06), ascorbic acid (48.48 mg), reducing sugar (4.014%), total sugar (26.26%), non-reducing sugar (21.13%) and the fresh fruit was acidic. The total weight of fruit was 702 g and the percentage recovery of edible fruit was 62.5%. Physio-chemical properties of the fruit were changed based on the minimal processing method used. 

Keywords

Mauritius Variety, Minimal Processing, Physio-chemical Properties, Pineapple

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