Vibha Bhatnagar

Effect of cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) intervention on blood glucose of middle aged adult male with non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

Abstract The present study was conducted to find out the effect of oral administration of cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) on non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients of Udaipur city (Rajasthan). Thirty type 2 diabetics were divided into two groups (15 in each) experimental and control group. Experimental group was supplemented with 2g cinnamon powder filled in capsules (4capsules/day/person) for 40 days. Another group of 15 subjects served as control. Fasting and post prandial blood sugar were estimated at initial level (0 day), after 20 days and finally after 40 days. Diet of diabetics when compared with dietary modifications was found to be high in fat (131%), calcium (190.37%), thiamine (180.58%), vitamin C (117.40%) and niacin (110%) adequate in energy (103.82%), carbohydrates (80.35%), β carotene (96.14%) and riboflavin (90.86%). In addition diet was moderately low in protein (72.67%) and iron (54.73%) where as extremely low in fibre (15.94%).Data regarding blood glucose level showed that at initial level fasting blood glucose of experimental group was 148.73±3.69 mg/dl which reduced to 134.0±3.12 mg/dl after 20th day and further reduced to 120.66±4.70 mg/dl at the completion of the study and was statistically significant (p>0.05, p>0.01) . Post prandial blood sugar also reduced significantly (p>0.05, p>0.01) from 187.66±3.29 mg/dl (0 day) to 172.93±3.51 mg/dl (20th day) and again reduced to 163.6±5.09 mg/dl after 40 days of intervention in the experimental group. This was also statistically significant at both 5 percent and 1 percent level of significance. No significant reduction was observed in both fasting and post prandial blood sugar in control group. The study reveals that cinnamon is effective in controlling blood sugar of people with type 2 diabetes.

A Gender Based Study on Life Style, Diet and Senile Osteoporosis

Abstract An attempt was made to study the role of diet and lifestyle pattern in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Twentyfive male and twenty-five female elderly osteoporotic patients diagnosed by Singh’s Index were assessed for background profile, lifestyle pattern and nutrient adequacy. The mean dietary intake of protein, calcium and vitamin C in male subjects was 48.97±0.89 g, 688.26±29.58 mg and 15.55±2.93 mg while it was 37.86±0.80 g, 663.49±31.91 mg and 24.84±4.74 mg respectively in female subjects. Results of the study revealed that nutrient intake by all the subjects were deficient as compared to the allowances suggested for elderly. However, in comparison to male subjects, percentage intake of calcium was slightly higher among female osteoporotic patients. On comparing the plasma ascorbic acid level of the subjects, it was found that female subjects had comparatively higher level (0.60±0.06 mg/dl) than the male counterparts (0.39±0.07 mg/dl). Significant positive correlation was found between the ascorbic acid intake and plasma ascorbic acid level. Thus it can be concluded that among females, factors other than diet may also play an important role in the development of osteoporosis.

Development and Impact Assessment of a Computer Mediated, Body Weight Related Nutrition and Fitness Program

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to develop a nutrition and fitness program and examining its efficacy in reducing weight and improving physical fitness in obese adults. The program was having four main sections, that is, personal profile, weight management, physical fitness and food exchange list. It was providing facilities of creating personal profiles, assessing daily nutrient intake and physical activities, suggesting nutritional and exercise requirements and planning individualized diet charts. Twenty-two obese subjects (BMI>25 kg/m2) were assigned to the program group (n=12) and no information control group (n=10). The program group was asked to strictly follow the program for one month. Significant reduction in the intake of calories, fat and carbohydr ates was observed while intake of fruits and vegetables was increased (p<0.05). The program was also found to be effective in reducing body weight and body fat, whereas physical fitness improved significantly (p<0.05). Ther e was no significant alteration observed in any parameters of the control group.

Effects of processing on phytic acid, iron and its bioavailability of Macrotyloma uniflorum

Horse gram is one of the inexpensive sources of protein, calcium and iron. Simple processing such as germination and roasting of horse gram were used to reduce the anti-nutritional factors. The germination was carried out by washing, soaking (8 h), germination period (48 h), and oven drying (50oC) and ground into flour in grinder. In another processing method the horse gram was roasted for 10 minutes on low flame, cooled and powdered. Result of the present study revealed that germination and roasting have good effects on increasing in vitro iron bioavailability. While anti-nutritional factor phytates also reduced on both processing. The content of iron was also increases after germination and roasting as compared to untreated horse gram flour.

Optimization of ingredients in cereal bar.

The objective of this study was the optimization of ingredient in RTE cereal bar using corn syrup and honey in different ratios. Organoleptic evaluation of RTE cereal bar was done by a panel of ten judges using 9 point hedonic scale. Results showed that 30 per cent incorporation level of corn syrup and honey in cereal bar obtained the highest overall acceptability i.e. , CCB (8.39 ± 0.08), HCB (8.18 ± 0.14) and the score was in the range of “like very much” to “like extremely”. Thus it can be concluded that 30 per cent incorporation of corn syrup and honey was highly accepted by panel members.

Calcium status of adolescent girls in relation to economic background.

Adequate intake of calcium is important for skeletal growth. Low calcium intake during adolescence may lead to decreased bone mass accrual thereby increasing the risk of osteoporotic fractures in later stages of life. The aim of the present study was to assess dietary calcium and serum calcium of adolescent girls from different economic background. One eighty adolescent girls (10-15years) were selected from government and private schools. 24 hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire were used to evaluate intake of calcium and Calcium Arsenazo Reagent Kit was used to measure serum calcium. The mean calcium intake was significantly different in all three groups with maximum intake in girls from High Income Group (HIG) (1238.81 mg/day) and lowest in Low Income Group (LIG) girls (447.87 mg/day). Although the main source of calcium in all three groups was dairy products, the quantity of intake differed considerably. Despite low calcium intake,serum calcium was found normal in the subjects from LIG. Measures need to be taken to rectify low calcium intake in LIG. Bone mineral density is better indicator of calcium status than serum calcium.

Development and quality evaluation of protein enriched fruit juices

Preparation of apple and tomato juices fortified with green gram extract was studied. The extracts of green gram were prepared by providing different processing techniques including soaking, soaking and cooking, germination, germination and cooking. Blends prepared by mixing apple juice and tomato juice with four different green gram extracts in a ratio of 50:50 were evaluated for organoleptic properties. The blends apple juice and tomato juice mixed with soaked and cooked green gram extract (AJ-SCGE, TJ-SCGE) were selected best and further analyzed for nutritional quality. Both the blended juices possessed higher nutritional quality than the pure juices and the sample TJ-SCGE had all the nutritional components in a higher proportion than the sample AJ-SCGE.

High power ultrasound: An innovation in the food processing industry

Power ultrasound is an emerging and promising technology for food processing industry. Pressing demands from consumers for quality food products with natural flavor and taste, free from additives and preservatives, has triggered need for the development of non-thermal process methods which offer maximum quality and safety of food products. Ultrasound is considered as one such nonthermal processing alternative, which can be used in many food processing operations. It travels through a medium like any sound wave, resulting in a series of compression and rarefaction. Due to their important features at ambient or lower temperatures, the non-thermal technologies are regarded as potential and powerful tools in food processing. High energy ultrasound (20-500kHz) is referred to as High power ultrasound (HPU). The physical, mechanical or chemical effects of high power ultrasound are capable of altering material properties. These effects are promising in food processing, preservation and safety. It has been realized that HPU has much to offer to the food industry such as drying, extraction, crystallization, defoaming, emulsification, inactivation of microorganism and enzymes, filtration, separation, etc of valuable compounds from vegetables and food products. In this paper a review of the most recent uses of power ultrasound in the food industry will be discussed.

Role of Diet in Ayurvedic Treatise as Perceived by Ayurvedic Doctors

Abstract Ayurveda is a component of health care having a traditional system of medicines. The basic principle of Ayurveda is to prevent illness by maintaining balance in the body, mind, and consciousness through proper drinking, diet and lifestyle, as well as herbal remedies. A study on the role of diet in Ayurvedic treatise was undertaken. An attempt was also made to find out the existing diet counseling practices, barriers and suggestions for improvement. For the purpose, fifty Ayurvedic practitioners serving in two government Ayurvedic hospitals of Udaipur city Rajasthan were selected. The information was collected with the help of an interview schedule. Majority of the respondents were of the opinion that diarrhea, hypertension, peptic-ulcer, tuberculosis, hepatitis and typhoid are the diseases for which the dietdrug therapy is the most appropriate mode of the treatment where as obesity can be cured by dietary modifications coupled with physical exercise. All the Ayurvedic doctors agreed with need for improving nutrition counseling practices and recommended to include more nutrition courses in Ayurvedic curriculum and need for appointing dietitian in Ayurvedic hospital was also suggested.