Title : Germinated millet based foods to combat malnutrition world wide
Abstract:
Malnutrition is a serious and life-threatening condition often caused by a diet lacking in essential proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Malnutrition among children is one of the major health problems faced by the developing countries. Malnutrition in young children puts them at a higher risk of experiencing health problems such as stunted growth, mental retardation, and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases. Around half of the world’s malnourished children are found in only three countries, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. India accounts for about 40% undernourished children in the world, which is significantly associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality in the country. Malnutrition is influenced by economic, social, environmental and individual factors. A number of approaches have been taken to alleviate malnutrition. The dietary approach is more sustainable. In the present study, the millets were soaked for 24 hours and germinated for 96 hours. The germinated millet was subjected to cabinet drying and powdered. Then the nutrient content was analysed. It was showed that when the germination period was increased the protein, carbohydrate, vitamin C and iron were also increased. So, the 96 hours germination process was adopted for developing millets flour incorporated food products. It was then subjected for sensory evaluation. This study proved that, germinated millet could be utilized to prepare low-cost nutritious food products to prevent malnutrition, improve the health and the nutritional status of the people. The formulated various recipes from nutrient rich millets were popularized among rural people through lecture, demonstration and exhibition to alleviate the malnutrition.
