Browsing by Author "Indira, V"

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Comparative evaluation of fresh fruit juices sold by street vendors versus restaurants
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2010) Bindhya Dhanesh, T; Indira, V
Development and quality evaluation of weaning foods incorporating grain amaranth.
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Kavitha Raj, K N; Indira, V
In the present study, an attempt was made to develop weaning foods with grain amaranth flour, ragi flour and skim milk powder and to evaluate the quality attributes with respect to chemical constituents, acceptability and shelf life. Black and white grain amaranth seeds were collected from the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara and other ingredients like ragi, skim milk powder and sugar were purchased from the local market. The weaning foods were prepared using the selected grains after processing. Nine combinations of weaning foods were prepared using processed black, white as well as black and white coloured grain amaranth flour along with processed ragi flour in different proportions. Ten per cent skim milk powder was also added to each treatment so as to get minimum 14 per cent protein as specified for cereal based weaning foods. Weaning food prepared with processed ragi flour was taken as the control. The processed weaning foods were stored in aluminium laminated pouches for a period of three months at ambient storage conditions. Chemical constituents like moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrate, calcium, iron, phosphorus and total free amino acids as well as in vitro digestibility of protein and starch of formulated weaning foods were estimated initially and at the end of storage. Physical qualities, microbial enumeration and peroxide value of weaning foods were also evaluated. Organoleptic qualities of weaning foods and porridges prepared with the formulated weaning foods were assessed for appearance, taste, flavour, colour, texture and over all acceptability during storage. Weaning foods developed with grain amaranth flour were found to be rich in protein, fat and carbohydrate and satisfied the composition specified for cereal based weaning foods by Indian Standards. The fibre content of T0, T1, T4, T5 and T7 were also found to be on par with the specifications. During storage, a decrease in the protein, fat, carbohydrate, fibre, calcium, iron, phosphorus, total free amino acids and in vitro digestibility of protein and starch was observed in all weaning foods. Peroxide value of all the weaning foods increased during storage. The weaning foods and porridges prepared with grain amaranth flour were equally acceptable like the weaning foods and porridges prepared with ragi flour for all the quality attributes including over all acceptability. A gradual increase in the microbial count and peroxide value was also noticed during storage. All the weaning foods prepared with grain amaranth were found to be nutritious than the weaning food prepared exclusively with ragi flour. The cost of developed weaning foods was found to be much cheaper than the commercially available weaning foods. Among the different combinations of weaning foods prepared with grain amaranth flour, the weaning food prepared with 20 per cent ragi flour, 70 per cent white and black coloured grain amaranth flour (1:1) and 10 per cent skim milk powder (T7) was found to be the best combination on the basis of chemical constituents, acceptability and shelf life.
Documentation and quality evaluation of selected traditional foods of central zone of Kerela
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2009) Aneena, E R; Indira, V
The study entitled “Documentation and quality evaluation of traditional foods of central zone of Kerala” was taken up with the objectives of identifying and collecting information on the various traditional foods of central zone of Kerala and documenting their mode of processing, and evaluating quality characteristics of the selected less used traditional foods. The study was conducted in four districts namely Eranakualm, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram comprising the central zone of Kerala. Senior citizens who possess the details of traditional food items and preparations in each locality were selected as the respondents. The respondents were categorised based on the communities they represent. Details of traditional food habits with respect to preference for traditional foods, the reasons for the preference, frequency of preparation of traditional foods, traditional foods prepared during special occasions, festivals/rituals and during physiological conditions and traditional foods included for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks were collected from the selected respondents. Transition that occurred in the traditional food pattern and in the preparation of traditional foods was also collected. Quality evaluation of selected traditional foods was conducted at laboratory level with respect to chemical constituents, acceptability and microbial growth. The foods were packed in suitable packaging materials and stored under different conditions and the quality evaluation of foods was carried out during storage. Majority of the respondents preferred traditional foods due to their health benefits and palatability. Most of the respondents prepared traditional foods for break fast and lunch and also prepared different traditional snack items. Most of the respondents did not prepare traditional health foods at home due to the laborious procedure involved in the preparation and the commercial availability of these products. Respondents belonging to different communities prepared various traditional foods during special occasions, festivals/rituals and consumed traditional foods during different physiological conditions. Most of the respondents included traditional food items for breakfast and lunch. Changes were observed in the traditional food pattern and traditional foods over different years with respect to ingredients, method of preparation and vessels/ utensils used for preparation. The recent trend of food consumerism was portrayed by the increased frequency of eating out habits, purchase of instant mixes and bakery items. From the traditional food items collected, twelve traditional foods namely inderiyappam, kala kala, kaliyadakka, karinellikka, madhura puttu, manda, muttayappam, niracha pathiri, paniyaram, poruvelangai, rankayyan and vishu katta and three beverages namely, cherunaranga then vellam, inji paneeyam and paanakam which were least used, nutritionally viable and organoleptically acceptable were selected and replicated under laboratory level. Quality evaluation of these foods was conducted initially and during storage. Evaluation of the chemical composition of the traditional foods showed that most of the traditional foods are rich in certain macro and micro nutrients. Organoleptic evaluation of the replicated foods indicated that most of the traditional foods were acceptable to the younger generation. The replicated traditional foods were packed in suitable packaging materials and stored under ambient or ambient and refrigerated conditions for different intervals. Among the different replicated foods inderiyappam, muttayappam, niracha pathiri, rankayyan and vishu katta were highly perishable and could be stored only for a day. The quality attributes of paanakam, cherunaranga then vellam and inji paneeyam also decreased considerably during storage. From the present study, it was found that the selected traditional food items could be replicated under the prevailing conditions without change in their quality aspects. Hence, these technologies should be popularised as an attempt to conserve the traditional cuisines of Kerala.
Evaluation of cycas seed flour for product development
(Department of home science, College of horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2012) Lijitha, S; Indira, V
The study entitled “Evaluation of cycas seed flour for product development” was undertaken to evaluate the chemical constituents and shelf life of processed cycas seed flour. The study also envisaged to develop cycas seed flour supplemented products and to evaluate the nutritional and organoleptic qualities of the developed products. Cycas seeds and other ingredients required for the study were procured from the market. Cycas seeds were processed by soaking in cold water for six hours and draining the soaked water, repeatedly for seven times prior to the preparation of the flour. The cycas flour thus prepared was dried in a cabinet drier at 60 ± 5°C to a moisture content of 10-12 per cent and stored in glass bottles for a period of three months under ambient conditions. The constituents like moisture, protein, starch, total carbohydrates, crude fibre, fat, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, potassium and iron were estimated initially and after three months of storage. The antinutritional/ toxic factors in the flour such as crude alkaloids, cycasin and hydrocyanic acid were also analysed. Shelf life of cycas seed flour was also evaluated during storage. The processed cycas seed flour was found to be rich in carbohydrate and macro and micro minerals with ideal sodium - potassium ratio. The alkaloid content in processed cycas flour was found to be low. A significant decrease in the constituents like starch, total carbohydrate, crude fibre, fat and crude alkaloids was noticed during storage. A gradual increase in the microbial count was observed during storage. Insect infestation was not detected in cycas seed flour through out the period under study. Five products namely puttu, ada, pathiri, biscuit and chapathi were prepared by incorporating cycas seed flour in different proportions along with the main ingredient for respective products. The products were evaluated organoleptically for different quality attributes like appearance, colour, texture, flavour, taste and overall acceptability using score card. Rice was used as the main ingredient for the preparation of puttu, ada and pathiri. For chapathi and biscuit, wheat flour and maida were used respectively as the main ingredients. The product prepared with 100 per cent main ingredient was taken as the control. All products were prepared exclusively with cycas seed flour. The cycas flour was also incorporated into the basic ingredient at 30 to 70 per cent for the preparation of the products. Among the different products prepared by supplementing cycas seed flour, except chapathi, all products were found to be acceptable to the judges. The nutritive value of the products prepared by supplementing cycas flour was computed per serving. In puttu, ada and pathiri, the nutrients like protein, crude fibre, fat and calcium content increased with increase in the quantity of cycas seed flour. In the case of biscuit and chapathi, increased supplementation of cycas seed flour improved the crude fibre and fat content. Incorporation of cycas flour at the rate of 30 to 50 per cent with rice flour and maida was found to be ideal for the preparation of acceptable products.
Evaluation of fruit quality in banana nendran (Musa AAB)
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Lakshmy, P S; Indira, V
The study entitled "Evaluation of fruit quality in banana 'Nendran' (Musa AAB)" was undertaken to evaluate the chemical constituents of seven nendran types and their products and also to assess the quality characters of banana products during storage. The nendran types were evaluated for different physical characters like finger weight, finger length, pulp and peel weight, pulp/peel ratio, curvature and angularity. Significant variation in all the physical characters was noted between the nendran types. The chemical composition of raw nendran types also showed significant variation. The nendran types were found to be rich in starch, potassium and phosphorus, but were lower in protein and crude fibre. The nendran type Chengalikodan had the highest mineral, protein and starch content vhcreas Attunendran had the highest value for moisture and vitamin C and Neduncndr.m had the highest crude fibre content. Banana flour were analysed for different nutrients at monthly intervals I()I' a period of three months. The banana flour of all ncndran types was poor in crude fibre. A gradual decrease in all the chemical constituents except moisture content was observed during storage. The banana flour prepared from the ncndran types . Chengalikodan and Nedunendran showed good starch nnd mineral contents. A gradual increase in the' moisture content of chips was observed during storage. The chips prepared from the nendran type Chengalikodan had the lowest and Kaliethan had the highest moisture content at the end of the storage period. The acceptability studies of cooked banana revealed that Attunendran is the best nendran type for table purpose while Chengalikodan was organoleptically the best to prepare chips and porridge. Storage studies revealed a gradual decrease in quality attributes and overall acceptability of chips and porridge. There was a steady increase in the total bacterial and fungal count on storage. The presence of yeast was negligible. The banana flour prepared from the nendran types Attunendran, Changanassery nendran, Manjeri nendran I and Myndoli showed minimum count of total microflora when compared to flours made from other nendran types.
Evaluation of some culinary varieties of banana
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1988) Rajeevan, P K; Indira, V; Geetha, C K; Varkey
Food and nutritional security scenario of BPL families of central zone of Kerala
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2013) Blossom, K L; Indira, V
The study entitled “Food and Nutritional Security Scenario of BPL Families of Central Zone of Kerala” was undertaken to assess the extent and determinants of food and nutritional security among the BPL families of Central Kerala and to study the impact of food security on the nutritional status of women and preschool children. All the four districts of Central Zone of Kerala namely Thrissur, Ernakulam, Palakkad and Malappuram were selected for the study. A total of 400 BPL families comprising 100 families from each district formed the sample for the study. Detailed study on nutritional status of women and preschool children as well as Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) were conducted among 60 women in the age group of 25 to 35 years and 60 preschool children in the age group of 3 to 5 years. The food security of the families was assessed by the three dimensions namely food access, availability and absorption of nutrients. Access and availability were assessed by the socioeconomic status, food consumption pattern and food purchasing pattern of the families. Absorption was determined by assessing the nutritional status of the family members. Overall food security of the families was measured using USDA (2000) module and MSSRF (2008) index. Nutritional security of the families and family members were determined from the intake of nutrients. Nuclear family system with four to six members was observed among most of the families. Educational and occupational status indicated that most of the adult members were literate and working as labourers on daily wages. The monthly income of 72 per cent of families varied from Rs. 4001/- to 12,000/. Most of the families did not earn any income from domestic animals and 27.25 per cent had the habit of saving money. The monthly expenditure pattern of the families revealed that 76 per cent spent up to 50 per cent of their income for food. Most of the families had own houses built with bricks, tiled roofing and cement flooring. Electricity and toilet facilities were present in almost all houses. Health care facilities were found to be satisfactory and 82 per cent of families utilised the public health facilities available in their locality. Three meal a day pattern was followed by 98 per cent of the families and they kept regular time schedule for taking meal. However, only 37 per cent planned their meal in advance and only 48 per cent of families included raw fruits and vegetables in their diet. Most frequently used food items were cereals, pulses, other vegetables, fats and oils, sugar and fish. Green leafy vegetables, roots and tubers, fruits, milk and milk products and eggs were used to a lesser extent. All families spent upto ten per cent of their food expenditure for the purchase of cereals. Fifty five to 61 per cent of the families spent 11 to 20 per cent of the monthly food expenses for the purchase of fish and other vegetables. The quantity of vegetables, fruits and milk and milk products purchased by majority of the families satisfied less than 25 per cent of the requirement. Gross inadequacy in the intake of all food groups except non vegetarian items was noticed among the family members. The intake of macro and micronutrients was also found to be lower than the recommended dietary allowances suggested by ICMR. Different grades of malnutrition were noticed among children, adolescents and adult members. On the basis of anthropometric indicators, normal nutritional status was noticed only among 37 per cent children below 12 years, 45 per cent adolescents, 48 per cent adults and 55 per cent elderly. Gross deficit in the intake of certain food groups and nutrients was also noticed among women and preschool children. Mild form of nutritional anaemia was prevalent among 40.82 per cent women and 31.71 per cent preschool children. However, clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies were noticed only to a lesser extent among women and preschool children. The blood profile for serum protein, albumin, globulin and creatinine was also found to be in the normal range indicating adequacy in the protein status among women and preschool children. The overall food and nutritional security was found to be below 20 per cent among the BPL families of Central Kerala. Families without children had better food and nutritional security. Comparatively, severe food and nutritional insecurity affected only a small proportion of the families. Mild to moderate forms of insecurity were more prevalent. Food security had a positive impact on the nutritional status of women and preschool children. Among the different factors affecting food security, family size was found to be the most important one.
Food consumption pattern and nutritional status of farm women in Thrissur district
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1996) Udaya, P K; Indira, V
A study on the food consumption pattern and nutritional status of farm women in Thrissur District was carried out among 120 families. The results of the study indicated that majority of the families were of nuclear type and were Hindus. Majority of the adults were literate and agriculture was found to be their main occupation. It was observed that majority of the respondents were engaged in house work. Majority of the families had a monthly income ranging from Rs.1000 to 4000/- The most frequently used food items were cereals, milk and milk products, nuts and oil seeds, spices and condiments. Majority of the families did not plan their meal pattern in advance and they consumed food three times a day giving preference to the male members of the family. Nutritional status of the farm women revealed that majority of them were undernourished. Food weighment survey revealed a deficient intake of cereals, pulses, green leafy vegetables and flesh foods. The intake of most of the nutrients was low. Nutritional status of farm women on the basis of body mass index indicated that only 38.33 percent had normal nutritional status. Majority of the respondents suffered from very mild form of anaemia and clinical symptoms were observed only in very few respondents.
Food security in farm labour households of Kuttanad
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2012) Anusha, S; Indira, V
The study entitled food security in farm labour households of Kuttanad was undertaken for assessing the extent of food security and to identify the factors influencing the food security of farm labour households. From each of the seven agro ecological zones of Kuttanad, 20 farm labour households were selected randomly for the study constituting a total sample size of 140 households. A detailed study was conducted by identifying four women and four pre school children from each agro ecological zone totalling 28 each. The food security of the selected households was ascertained by assessing the three dimensions of food security namely access, availability and utilisation of food. Food access and availability were determined by assessing socioeconomic status, food consumption pattern, food purchase inventory and food adequacy of the households. Utilisation was determined by assessing the nutritional status of family members. Overall food security was also determined using the food security module suggested by USDA.Nuclear family system with 4 to 6 members was noticed among most of the households. Most of the adult family members were educated up to high school level and 71.89 per cent men and 54.51 per cent women were working as agricultural labourers. The monthly income of the households was found to be very low and they spent above 50 per cent of their income for the purchase of food materials. The housing and living conditions were found to be poor with no drainage and drinking water facilities.The food consumption pattern of the households indicated that all were non vegetarians and followed a three meal a day pattern. Most frequently used food items included cereals, vegetables, fish and fats and oils. Milk and milk products, meat and egg were used to a lesser extent by the households. Food expenditure pattern of the households indicated that 67 per cent spent 10 to 35 per cent of food expenditure for the purchase of cereals and 10 to 28 per cent did not spent any money for the purchase of milk and milk products, egg, meat and fish. Food purchase inventory of the households revealed that all items were purchased to a lesser extent compared to the actual requirement of the households. Food adequacy in terms of food intake per consumption unit indicated inadequacy of all food groups except flesh foods. The per capita intake of all nutrients was also found to be lower than the recommended levels. The nutritional status of family members through anthropometry indicated that 25 to 48 per cent children, adolescents and elderly had different grades of malnutrition. However, the nutritional status of adult members was found to be better with 72 per cent of adults having a normal BMI of 20 to 25 kg/m2. The actual food and nutrient intake of women and preschool children were found to be far below the RDA for most of the food groups and nutrients. Anaemia was prevalent among 90 per cent of women. Food security status of the households indicated food insecurity among most of the households. Only 49 per cent of the households were found to be food secure on the basis of overall food security. On the basis of food access, availability and utilization, food security was observed only among 25 per cent of the households. Among the different factors affecting food security family size was found to be the most important one followed by income, food expenditure and energy intake.
Household food security and nutritional status of women agricultural labours
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Lincy Lawrence; Indira, V
A study on "Household Food security and Nutritional Status of Women Agricultural Labourers" was carried out in Ollukkara block panchayat of Thrissur district. The study was conducted among women agricultural labourers belonging to organized and unorganized sectors. The results of the study indicated that Hindus were the majority ill organized and unorganized sectors. Majority of the families were of nuclear type and family size ranged in between 4 to 6. Most of the male and female members in both the sectors were literate. Upto 15 cents of land was owned by majority of the respondents in the organized sector whereas in the unorganized sector majority had only upto 10 cents. Majority of the families in both the sectors did not have kitchen garden and domestic animals. Monthly income of the families in the organized sector varied from Rs.IOOO to Rs.6000, while in the unorganized sector majority had an income in between Rs.l 000 to Rs.4000. Maximum proportion of income was spent on food items. More families in the organized sector saved money than the unorganized sector. Majority of the families in both the sectors borrowed money from university, cooperative bank and private chitties. All the families in the unorganized sector and majority in the organized sector had their own houses with brick as the wall material and with tiled or concrete roof The houses were occupied with separate kitchen with 4 to 5 rooms. Drinking water, electricity, recreational and lavatory facilities were satisfactory whereas drainage facilities were found to be inadequate. Majority of the respondents in the organized sector get work for 6 days in a week while in the unorganized sector majority get work for 3 - 5 days. Seasonal variation in the working days was noticed only among unorganized sector. Majority of the families in both the sectors were nonvegetarians and consumed rice as the staple food. Maximum percentage of the food expenditure was for cereals. The families in the organized sector purchased most of the food items in bulk on monthly basis while in the unorganized sector most of the families purchased food items either daily or weekly. The most frequently used food items were cereals, pulses, other vegetables, milk and milk products, fats and oils, sugar and spices and condiments in the organized sector while in the unorganized sector all the above food items except pulses and milk and milk products were found to be the most frequently food items. Advance meal planning was popular in both the sectors. Three meals a day pattern was common in both the sectors. The per capita food and nutrient intake indicated decreased intake of cereals, green leafy vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products and fats and oils. Majority of the households in the organized sector were food secure, whereas in the unorganized sector only 26.67 per cent were found to be food secure. Food insecurity was found to be more in the households with children in both the sectors. None of the families in the organized sector experienced food insecurity with hunger. The nutritional profile revealed that the body weight and height of the respondents in both the sectors were lower than the reference body weight and height for an Indian reference woman. About 2l.66 per cent and 31.66 per cent in the organized and unorganized sectors respectively had different grades of CED. Clinical examination showed various symptoms of nutritional deficiencies among the respondents in both the sectors. Actual food and nutrient intake revealed deficient intake of cereals, pulses, green leafy vegetables, roots and tubers, fruits and fats and oils. The intake of all . nutrients was lower than the recommended levels. Factors influencing food security are food expenditure, monthly income, family size and family type.
Influence of amla (Emblica officinolis Gaertn.) products on the nutritional and health status of sos children in Thrissur district
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Jissy George; Indira, V
Maternal employment and nutritional status of preschool children
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1998) Mini, P Jose; Indira, V
A study on "Maternal Employment and Nutritional Status of Preschool Children" was carried out among 120 children in the age group of 4 to 5 years. They were selected on the basis of maternal employment equally and randomly from the three groups i.e., casual labourers (CL), employed mothers (EM) and unemployed mothers (HW). The results of the study indicated that Hindus were the majority in all the three groups. Majority of the parents were literate with family income ranging between Rs.2000 and Rs.8000. Most of the families in the EM and HW groups had a joint existence. Majority of the families did not own land or livestock but owned a kitchen garden. Monthly expenditure pattern revealed that the greatest amount was spent on foods in which cereals had the major share. Various contagious diseases were more prevalent in the CL community. Social participation was low in all the three groups with highest participation in EM group. Frequency of use of different foodstuffs revealed that cereals, pulses, other vegetables, milk and milk products, fats and oils, sugar and spices and condiments were the most frequently used items in all the three groups. Advance meal planning was highest in the EM group. In majority of the families there was equality in food distribution. Majority of mothers worked between 8 to 10 hours a day for more than 21 days per month. Financial constraint was the major reason for opting to work Most of the working mothers were satisfied with their jobs. There was a significant difference between the three groups with respect to the time spent for household, child care and personal activities. Majority of children had desirable birth weight with complete immunisation status. Nutritional status revealed that majority of the children were malnourished as classified according to Gomez et al. (1956), Rao and Singh (1970) and Waterlow (1972). Dietary profile revealed that the intake of all foods except flesh foods was inadequate. Intake of proteins met RDA while intake of other nutrients was inadequate. Clinical symptoms were found in all three groups. The EM group scored highest in knowledge, attitude and practice test. The results revealed that maternal employment had no positive or negative impact on the nutritional status of the preschool children.
Nutritional evaluation of cycas seed flour (cycas circinnalis L.)
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Anitha, S; Indira, V
The study entitled “Nutritional evaluation of cycas seed flour (Cycas circinalis L.)” was undertaken to evaluate the nutritional and antinutritional constituents of cycas flour prepared from seeds collected from forest and non forest areas. The study also aimed to evaluate the effect of processing on the chemical constituents present in the cycas flour. Fresh and matured cycas seeds were collected from forest and non forest areas of Thrissur district during August 2010. The collected seeds were sun dried for 8 to 10 days and pooled separately as forest and non forest samples. The samples were processed by six different methods. The methods included were soaking the seeds in cold water for 12 and 24 hours (T1 and T2), soaking in boiling water for 2 hours after cold water treatment for 12 and 24 hours (T3 and T4) and washing of powdered flour of T1 and T2 for three times in water (T5 and T6). The flour prepared from unprocessed seed was taken as the control (T0). The processed seeds and the control were powdered and dried in a cabinet drier at 60 ± 5◦ C to a moisture level of 10 to 12 per cent. The prepared flour was analysed for different constituents like moisture, protein, starch, total carbohydrate, crude fibre, fat, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, crude alkaloid, cycasin and hydrocyanic acid. The flour of cycas seeds collected from forest area was found to be relatively high in starch, total carbohydrate, crude fibre and minerals when compared to the flour prepared from seeds collected from non forest area. The crude alkaloid content was found to be relatively low in forest samples. During processing, the rate of nutrient loss from cycas seed flour increased gradually with advancement in the duration of soaking and increase in the temperature of soaked water. Among the different processing methods, maximum retention of nutrients was noticed in cycas flour prepared from seeds soaked in cold water for 12 hours. The percentage loss of protein, starch, total carbohydrate, crude fibre and fat varied from 2 to 48 per cent. Among minerals, the leaching of potassium was found to be very high. Maximum loss of nutrients was observed in T6, in which the flour was prepared by soaking the seeds in cold water for 24 hours and washed thrice in water. The mean crude alkaloid content in unprocessed cycas flour was 1.58 mg 100g-1 (T0) and it reduced to 0.60 mg 100g-1 during processing (T6). The cycas flour prepared from the seeds collected from forest area was found to be more nutritious. The processing of cycas seed could reduce the antinutritional constituents with considerable loss in nutrients. But, processing is highly essential for cycas seeds to be used as a food ingredient and for product diversification.
Nutritional profile and physical fitness of sports women
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Reena, C; Indira, V
A study on the nutritional status and physical fitness of 100 sports women was carried out in Thrissur district during the year 2004-2005. Details pertaining to the socio- economic variables, dietary habits, food consumption pattern, nutritional status, energy balance and physical fitness of the respondents were studied in detail. The results of the study indicated that majority of the families were Hindus and belonged to other backward communities. The family size ranged from four to six and majority followed nuclear family system. Majority of the families had a monthly income of Rs.1000-5000 and majority of the families had a per capita income below Rs. 500. Selected respondents were in the age group of 18-24 years. Majority of the respondents were of first birth order and birth interval was found to be 2 years. Most of them attained their first menstruation by the age of 14 years. All the respondents participated in district and state level competitions and used to undergo regular physical exercises. Most of them participated in coaching camps. Very few of them practiced yoga. About 41 per cent of the respondents used to undergo periodic medical checkup and only 4 per cent of respondents consumed regular medicines. All the respondents surveyed were non vegetarians and consumed rice as the staple food. All of them preferred both vegetarian and non vegetarian foods. Most frequently used foods were found to be cereals, other vegetables, fruits, nuts and oil seeds, spices and condiments and sugar. Three major meal pattern a day was followed by all the respondents. All the respondents included raw foods in their diet. Ready made and prepared foods were also consumed by the respondents. About 30 per cent of the respondents used to take food and nutrient supplements. Majority of the respondents consumed pregame meal, post game meal and modified their diet during competitions. Actual nutrient intake of the respondents indicated that the intake of energy, fat, calcium, thiamin and beta carotene was lower than RDA. The nutritional profile of the respondents indicated that the body weight varied from 42 kg to 94 kg with a mean weight of 52.24 kg and the height varied from 150 cm to 177 cm with an average height of 162.36 cm. Only 36 per cent of the respondents had a normal body mass index. Majority of the respondents had a mid upper arm circumferences above standard, where as triceps skin fold thickness of the respondents was found to be less than the standard. Waist hip ratio of 97 per cent of the respondents was found to be less than 0.85. Most of the respondents had a body fat percentage less than the standard. Lean body mass of majority of the respondents was in the range of 40 to 44.99 Kg. Clinical examination showed different symptoms of nutritional deficiencies among few respondents. Biochemical estimation showed that majority of the respondents had a normal haemoglobin status and low urinary urea level. About 14 per cent of the respondents had an excellent endurance capacity and 39 per cent had a lung capacity in between 351 to 501cc/second. A positive energy balance was noted among athletes, hand ballers, weight/ power lifters, judo players, swimmers and cricket and hockey players and a negative energy balance was noted among basket ball and kabadi players when the daily energy intake was compared with daily energy expenditure.
Nutritional profile of the elderly
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Rosemol Jose; Indira, V
Nutritional profile of women labour in coir sector
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2009) Deepa, R; Indira, V
Nutritional profile of women labour in rice cultivation
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Jyothi, R; Indira, V
Nutritional status and dietary habits of irulas of Attappady
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Indira, V; Prema, L
A study on the nutritional status and dietary habits of Irulas of Attappady was carried out among 180 families to assess the socio-economic and food consumption pattern of the tribal families and also to assess the nutritional status of the children between the age group of 5 to 15 years. The results of the study indicated that majority of the families were of nuclear type with an average family size of 4.73. Agriculture labour was the main occupation of the tribes and most of the families were below the poverty line. Housing conditions and personal hygiene of the families were found to be poor. Irula tribes in general, were habitually non-vegetarians. Major expenditure of the family income was incurred for food especially cereals. Diet was found to be monotonous with less variety. Two –meal-a-day pattern was the standard system followed by the families, which included cereals, fats and oils and spices and condiments. Boiling was the predominant cooking method followed by the Irula tribes. Gunny bags were used to store cereals and pulses. Tribal families followed certain food restrictions during illness and special food were not included either in the diet of pregnant of lactating women or in the diet of children. Prolonged breast feeding and late weaning was practiced by the Irula tribes. The nutritional status of the children between 5 to 15 years of age was deficient and it was revealed in the anthropometric measurements like height, weight, mid upper arm circumference and skinfold thickness. Food weighment survey revealed a deficient intake of all foods except cereals. The intake of most of the nutrients was low. Low to medium nutritional status was observed among most of the children and birth order of the boys was found to influence their nutritional status. Anaemia was the most important clinical symptom observed among children which was reflected in the biochemical examination of blood for haemoglobin RBC count and packed cell volume. Sickle cell anaemia and parasitic infestations were observed among the children. The respondents had a favourable attitude towards the developmental programme implemented by various agencies to improve their health status. However awareness about health and nutrition was found to be poor.
Nutritive value and acceptability of winged bean genotypes
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1998) Anju M Neeliyara; Indira, V
Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.), though relatively unknown is a multipurpose legume which appears to meet many dietary needs of our country and will be of immense help in reducing protein calorie malnutrition. The present study was undertaken to estimate the nutritional composition and acceptability of the edible parts like leaves, flowers, immature pods and dry seeds of . the five selected winged beans genotypes. The different edible portions of winged bean were analysed for moisture, protein, starch, fat, fibre, energy, calcium, iron and vitamin C. The protein, starch, fat and energy contents of the seeds were found to be high when compared to the other edible parts. The seeds of winged bean can be said to be a rich source of protein, fat and energy. The leaves and flowers were found to be rich in minerals like calcium and iron while all the different edible parts were fair sources of vitamin C. The nutrient content of most of the edible parts varied significantly among the different genotypes selected for the study. The antinutritional factor tannin, present in the seeds was analysed before and after cooking. On cooking, the tannin content of the seeds was found to decrease considerably. The acceptability tests were carried out on the different edible parts. The different characters like colour, doneness, texture, flavour and taste were evaluated. Results showed that all the edible parts of winged bean were highly acceptable. There was no significant variation in the acceptability of the edible parts between the different genotypes.
Nutritive value and organoleptic evaluation of thamara venda genotypes (Abelmorchus caillei)
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1998) Sona Thampy, K; Indira, V
The study on "Nutritive value and organoleptic evaluation of Thamara venda (Abelmoschus caillei) genotypes" was an assessment of the chemical composition and acceptability of Thamara venda genotypes in comparison with the okra variety, Pusa Sawani, at three different maturity levels i.e. 5th, 8th and 11 th days after flowering. It has been found in the study that the twenty genotypes of A. caillei differed very much in their chemical composition. In the case of fat, iron, vitamin C and mucilage, the mean values of the control variety were lower than the lowest obtained for A. caillei genotypes. Pusa Sawani was found to have a lower disposition in the case of total carbohydrates, starch and calcium contents in comparison with the Thamara venda genotypes. The mean moisture,• protein and phosphorus contents of Pusa Sawani were found to be in comparison with those of Thamara vend a genotypes. But in crude fibre content, Pusa Sawani outweighed the Thamara vend a genotypes. Statistically, it had been found that there was no concordance between the different genotypes of A. caillei in the case of different chemicl constituents. The present study also implicated significant decreases in moisture, protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron and ascorbic acid contents of the pods as the days after flowering increased in both the Thamara venda genotypes and in Pusa Sawani. Total carbohydrate, starch, crude fibre and mucilage contents showed significant increases with increasing age in both the Thamara venda genotypes and in Pusa Sawani. Studies on the acceptability levels revealed that the Thamara vend a genotypes generally had higher acceptability than Pusa Sawani. The acceptability was also found to decrease as the pods increased in maturity.