Many of the people enjoy sweet foods and drinks . So , artificial sweeteners are used to improve the taste , texture and colour of the foods . There are many artificial sweeteners that FDA have approved as non – sugar sweeteners that are sweeter than sugar but with little or no calorific value .

Artificial sweeteners are mostly used as an alternative to sugar . They are food additives that provides a sweet taste like that of sugar . They are attractive alternatives of sugar because they do not add any calories to your diet .Therefore , these are also known as sugar substitutes . These are also known as intense sweeteners / low calorie sweeteners / non nutritive sweeteners .

FDA approved artificial sweeteners :

5 Artificial sweeteners approved by FDA are : Aspartame , Acesulfame – K , Saccharin , Sucralose , Neotame .

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS :

ACESULFAME – K (C4H4KNO4S) : ( E – 950 )

• Its a general purpose sweetener .
• White crystalline structure .
• It is 200 times sweeter than sucrose .
• Commonly known as SUNETT & SWEET ONE .

ASPARTAME (C14H18N2O5) : ( E – 951 )

• It is discovered in 1965 .
• It is a combination of phenylalanine ( 50%) + aspartic acid (40%) + methanol (10%) .
• It is 180 times more sweeter than sucrose .
• It is sold under the brand names NUTRASWEET , SUGAR TWIN & EQUAL .

SACCHARIN (C7H5NO3S) : ( E – 954 )

• It is discovered in 1879 .
• Oldest artificial sweetener still in use today .
• It is 300 times more sweeter than sucrose .
• Eventhough , it is not metabolized, FDA considers this sweetener safe .
• It is available as NECTA SWEET & SWEET TWIN .

SUCRALOSE (C12H19Cl3O8) : ( E – 955 )

• It is discovered in 1976 .
• Although it is made from table sugar , it adds no calories .
• It is 600 times more sweeter than sucrose .
• It is marketed under the brand name NATURA SWEET & SPLENDA .

NEOTAME (C20H30N2O5) : ( E – 961 )

• It is similar to aspartame .
• Chemical modification of it makes 30 – 40 times sweeter than aspartame .
• It is 7000 – 13000 times more sweeter than sucrose .
• It is used in beverages and soy based nutritionally fortified products .
• Ex : Newtame .

The commercial use of artificial sweeteners is : They are used as tabletop sweeteners , used extensively in beverage industries , used as bulking agents or diluents with many sweeteners etc., Thus , these are some of the facts related to artificial sweeteners.

Have you ever thought..!? What do astronauts eat in space ? How will they eat ? What is their diet in space ? Well , there were several such questions that were running in your mind right..! Are , you curious & wanted to know answers for all these questions ? So , lets get started..!

“Eating in space” Its really a challenge . The reason is there is no enough gravity . How do they drink water ? In a cup..!?…Nope..! Don’t even expect.. Because water wont stay in a cup . It will float in the air . So , how do they drink ? And what will they drink ?

Earlier , the food for astronauts is not same in Space as what do we eat on Earth . The food of astronauts should be specially processed and packaged according to the zero gravity of space . Now a days , Space foods are rehydrated , reheated and they are just like ready to eat foods .

Space Foods :

Space foods is a type of created and processed foods for consumption by astronauts in space . They should be appealing , nutritious and palatable . They require careful modifications of food as there is weightlessness in space . The foods should be light in weight & low in volume . The food has specific requirements of providing balanced nutrition for astronauts .

Natural form of foods such as nuts and cookies , which are ready to eat are packaged in flexible pouches . Edible coatings are used to pack foods . The foods are stored by retort packaging , which is a laminated foil container designed to hold up in high temperatures during sterilization . Astronauts do not go through any special pre-dieting regimen before going to space . They take Vitamin – D supplements .

When an astronaut is thirsty , how will he drink ? Here is the answer…! He will select a plastic tube containing milk , tea , coffee , fruit juices in dehydrated form . The food is prepared at a galley on the space shuttle . Galley is a modular unit that consists of a water dispenser and oven for rehydrating and warming of foods .

The daily diet of astronauts includes frozen foods , ambient foods , refrigerated foods & rehydrated drinks . The astronaut can choose from many types of foods such as fruits , seafoods etc., The foods they eat are dehydrated ones.. This prevents the foods from getting spoiled . But today , astronauts on the space eat food in the same way as they eat here on Earth .

We all like to eat chocolate right ..! One of the reason is , it tastes so good.. And it triggers the release of serotonin & endorphins which make us feel good .Chocolate is derived from the cocoa beans . Cocoa solids , milk solids and sugar are used as the main ingredients in the preparation of chocolate .

Now coming to our topic . Several doubts may arise for you ..! Does really chocolate contains insect parts ? If so.. Y ? Is it safe to consume chocolate ? Now , there are these many questions arising in you ..! right ….

• 

It’s not TRUE….! It’s a RUMOR..!

In India , the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India ( FSSAI ) is the governing body and the standards that the body agrees upon are applied across the country . The FSSAI has banned the presence of insects / cockroaches in chocolates .

According to FSSAI’s standards , any chocolate ought to be free from insects and other alternative contaminants . Any statement , stating that FSSAI has permitted insects in the manufacturing of chocolate , is considered as false .

The FSSAI has issued a statement saying that insects and rodents are not permissible in chocolates manufacture .

“Regulation 2.7.4 of FSS ( Food product Standards & Food additives ) Regulations 2011 specifies quality standards for chocolate and its types . Further , sub – regulation 3 of 2.7.4: chocolate standard clearly specifies that the material shall be free from rancidity or off odour , insect and fungus infestation , filth , adulterants and any harmful or injurious matter”

Therefore , any statement stating that FSSAI has permitted insects in chocolate production , is false .

Golden rice …! The term sounds good to hear right …! Did you ever heard about biofortified foods ? If yes , you will be familiar with the term golden rice even .. First of all , let us know few interesting things about biofortified foods , before going into our actual topic i.e., golden rice .

What is biofortification ?

Biofortification is the process , that aims at breeding crops with higher levels of vitamins , minerals , protein and healthier fat content in foods – these would complement the existing nutritional approaches . It is the mostly used practical means in order to improve public health . It is a part of an integrated food systems approach to reduce malnutrition . The process of producing nutrient rich foods through the process of bio fortification are known as biofortified foods . Golden rice is a biofortified crop .

• 

Golden Rice :

Golden rice is also considered as a first purposefully created biofortified crop . According , to a research.. It states that the research that led to golden rice was conducted with the goal of helping children those who suffer from VAD ( Vitamin A Deficiency ) . Golden rice , is a source of Vitamin A , is an additional intervention . VAD is a major public health issue and the most significant cause of child mortality and blindness . Golden rice is genetically modified in order to produce beta – carotene , which is not normally available in rice. When metabolized by the human body , the beta – carotene is converted into vitamin – A .

Wheat variety ( Atlas 66 ) , has a high protein content . Iron fortified rice variety containing over five times as much iron as in commonly consumed varieties and beta carotene containing rice variety i.e., golden rice are developed . Golden rice is a transgenic variety of rice with genes for the synthesis of alpha – carotene from daffodil are inserted into the genome of a temperate strain of rice using a Agrobacterium tumefaciens vector , to effect the transfer . The Golden rice was created by transforming rice with two beta – carotene biosynthesis genes i.e., the psy & ctrl genes .

The advantage of golden rice is that it can be used as a supplement where vitamin A is deficient . The biofortification of rice is done in the form of provitamin A , which results in yellow colour . Golden rice doesn’t completely eradicate the VAD , it only ameliorates it . Thus , nutritional genomics has been applied to rice for the development of golden rice .

Did you ever heard about single cell protein ? What is SCP ? Do you know about novel foods / mini foods ? Do they refer the same i.e., SCP ? Why are proteins synthesized from Spirulina called single cell proteins ? What are the advantages & disadvantages of single cell proteins ? Wanted to know more about SCP ? So.. lets get started..!

Single Cell Protein :

SCP is the dried biomass of particular species of microbes as protein source in diet . It refers to the total protein extracted from the pure culture of microorganisms ( MO’s) . These are used as dietary protein supplement .

SCP is one of the alternate sources of protein. They are used as both animal feed & human feed as a protein supplement . Microbes are being grown as a source of good protein . Unicellular organisms like algae , fungi , yeasts and bacteria when cultured on suitable substrates can generate large quantities of proteins . The purified dried biomass of these organisms are a good source of proteins . Biomass is the mass of living organism of a species expressed in terms of fresh weight or dry weight .

What are novel foods / mini foods ?

Single cell proteins are also known as novel foods or mini foods . It is also known as microbial protein . Novel food is a type of food that doesn’t have a significant history of consumption . These are produced by the food enhancement process . Therefore , SCP are also known as novel foods / mini foods .

Is Spirulina a single cell protein ?

Utilisation of Torula yeast ( Candida utilis ) in preparation of soups . Being unicellular filamentous algal component harvesting is less expensive and simple. It is rich in digestive proteins ( 60-70% ) , vitamins , nutrients , carbohydrates and fats . Spirulina can be cultured in waste water from potato processing plants which possess starch , straw , animal manure , sewage & molasses . By such a type of recycling of industrial effluents reduces environmental pollution .

Nutritive value and Use of SCP :

Nutritive value varies with the type of microorganism used. Protein digestibility values , expressed as a percentage range from 65 – 96 for the various cultures tested . Protein efficiency ratio ( PER ) values range from 0.6 – 2.6 .

Advantages of Single Cell Protein :

SCP are very much advantageous over the common conventional source of protein . Some major advantages are as follows :

• SCP are poor in fat content
• SCP can be grown in relatively small area & in large quantities
• SCP exhibit fast rate of growth
• SCP are good sources of B-complex
• SCP can be grown on low cost industrial effluents
• SCP can be cultured in all climatic conditions
• SCP can be produced throughout the year
• SCP can produce high quantity of proteins

These are some of the major advantages of single cell protein .

Disadvantages of Single Cell Protein :

• Exhibit low cell density
• Risk of contamination in growth tanks .
• Production of endotoxins like mycotoxins .
• Presence of high nucleic acid content .
• Presence of carcinogenic or toxic compounds .
• It is a very expensive process .
• May have some allergic reactions .
• Requirements of high sterilization conditions .

Commercially available SCP’s :

Commercially available single cell proteins include : Spirulina , Chlorella , Fusarium , Scenedesmus , Candida , Chaetomium etc.., are some of the commercially available single cell proteins .

So , by the end of this we came to know about SCP’s , novel foods , spirulina , advantages & disadvantages of scp and also about the commercially available single cell proteins …

Is consumption of alcohol on a daily basis is good for your health ? What are the short term and long term effects of alcoholic consumption ? In what way alcoholic consumption is bad for your health ? How can we classify someone as a alcoholic / non-alcoholic ? What is binge drinking ? So , by the end of this, you can able to know the good & bad effects of alcohol..!

Do you know about AUD ?

AUD is nothing but Alcohol Use Disorder . It is also known as alcoholism , alcoholic addiction or alcohol dependence . It is characterised by uncontrolled drinking . Alcoholism is the state of inability to control consumption of alcohol , because of both physical and mental dependence of alcoholic consumption . Consumption of alcohol on a regular basis leads to many health related issues . Someone who consumes alcohol regularly / frequently.. They should know mainly about the bad effects of alcohol on their body .

What happens when you drink alcohol …? When you drink alcohol it gets absorbed into your blood and it gets distributed all over your body . It enters the bloodstream through your stomach & intestine . From there it travels to the brain , because it is a depressant , it slows down your body functions , your brain function is impaired . Alcohol consumption interrupt the connection between the neurons .

Is consumption of alcohol good for your health ? If yes , how ???

Limited consumption of alcohol is good for your health . Infact , it is advantageous for your body . In most cases , the harm is not because of the consumption of alcohol . It is because of the over consumption of alcohol that affects the person . There are some good effects of consumption of alcohol in limited quantities . The benefits are as follows :

• Fights against common cold
• Elevates the level of High – density lipoprotein ( HDL)
• Limits dementia & Alzheimers’s disease
• Lowers risk of type 2 diabetes .
• Ceases/lower the development of fat cells .
• Weight loss
• Lower risk of developing gallstones .

What are the short term & long term effects of alcohol consumption ?

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS :

• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Unconsciousness
• Lapses in memory
• Unsteady posture of body
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Low blood pressure
• Hangover
• Restlessness
• Hallucinations

LONG-TERM EFFECTS :

• Liver cirrhosis
• Cancers
• Osteoporosis
• Nerve damage
• Mental health problems
• Immunity dysfunction
• Pancreatitis
• Cardiomyopathy
• Stomach ulcers
• Insomnia
• Mild tremors
• Seizures

BINGE DRINKING : It is the state of over alcoholic consumption in a short period of time . Binge drinking is very much dangerous and may also lead to alcohol poisoning . The common symptoms of binge drinking include throwing up , seizures , slow breathing etc..,

Bad effects of alcoholic consumption :

If we compare both the good effects and bad effects of alcoholism . There are numerous bad effects on the body compared to the good effects . The bad effects of alcoholic consumption include :

• Shrinking of frontal lobes of brain
• Behavioral changes
• Hallucinations
• Slurred speech
• Cancers
• Birth defects – Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Thinning of bones
• Dependence
• Frequent diarrhea
• Infertility
• Malnutrition
• Numbness
• Lung infections
• Heart damage – cardiomyopathy
• Organ damage
• Lowers body co-ordination
• Muscle cramps
• Dysfunction
• Fatigue
• Pancreatitis

However , eating a healthy diet , being physically active and mentally good is very much important . Limited / moderate consumption of alcohol may have few good effects . But ultimately alcoholic dependence isn’t risk-free . So , excessive drinking leads to risk of severe health problems . Thus , consumption of alcohol in a limited amount may be good for you . But it isn’t good if the limited consumption leads to over consumption . So, don’t become an alcohol dependent . So.. make your drinking ” less ” & thinking ” more ” …!

What is our current population ? What is the common problem in many people now – a – days ? Is the common problem a age related one ? Do you know how many people are ending their lives because of this common epidemic ? So , there is a need for us to know about this epidemic and the tips to keep this in control with our diet . Inorder to control this epidemic disease , what should we consume in our diet ? Do you want to answers for all these questions ? So, lets get started ..! By the end of this article you will get to know answers for all these questions …!

Now-a-days diabetes is a very common epidemic . India is known as the world’s capital of diabetes . It is the biggest epidemic of the 21st century . So, according to the survey conducted by WHO ( World Health Organisation ) in 2005 says that : 69.2 million Indians are having diabetes .There is no doubt , if the unhealthy practices continue in the same manner the number will reach to 98 million people having type-2 diabetes by the year 2030 . So, now our current trending topic is how to control diabetes using millets ?

MILLETS : Millets are small seeded grasses , that are grown as cereal crops having numerous health benefits . In India , pearl millet , finger millet , foxtail millet , little millet , barnyard millet & sorghum have been used for ages . They are gluten free , loaded with protein , fibre and are also rich in vitamins , calcium , iron , magnesium and zinc . There are many health benefits offered by millets . Some of the health benefits are as follows :

• Minimises the risk of type 2 diabetes
• Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
• Adequate levels of essential amino acids
• Presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids .
• High fibre content

Millets like jowar , finger millet , bajra became a very important part of indian’s diet . With the passage of time they were started appreciating the health benefits offered by it . Millets are also known to bolster diabetic management measures . By consuming millets on a regular basis , a diabetic can expect to steer clear from the dangerous spikes in blood sugar levels , which may lead to numerous complications .

Why millets ? Why not other grains ?

Millets are the powerhouse of the nutrients . Fibers offer satiety . Therefore , there is a good chance to manage blood sugar levels . Millets contain a higher amount of protein in comparison to rice & wheat . The healthy fats in it strengthens nerves . The presence of Vitamin B,B3,B6 & folic acid makes one feel energetic .

RISE OF RICE & TYPE 2 DIABETES : Think about your grandparents , why they don’t have any chronic illness / non communicable diseases like diabetes , hyper tension or hyperlipidemia ( cholesterol ) ..!? The reason is the food they consumed was diverse eventhough they used to consume local products . Their diet is full of seasonal varieties of fruits & vegetables , lentils , rice and generous amounts of millets .

Millets – Health Benefits :

• Promotes heart health
• Risk of cardiovascular diseases are reduced to a larger extent
• Helps to reduce cholesterol levels
• Improves the health of GI tract
• Reduces the risk of cancer
• Improves immunity of the body
• Helps to detoxify the body

Consumption of millets reduces the risk of diabetes in non – diabetics and helps to regulate the blood sugar levels due to its low glycemic index . Yet , there is another reason why to consider millets in your diet . If you replace a part of your diet with millets you may manage your blood sugar levels . Millets also contain some phytonutrients such as trypsin inhibitors , phytic acid , tannins , oxalates and goitrogens .

Storage tips :

• Purchase in small quantities
• Store in an air tight container
• Keep them in a cool & dry place

Millets are slow digesting and are ideal to be used by diabetic people . These are gluten free grains . By replacing rice with millets , can significantly bring down blood sugar levels in those people suffering from type 2 diabetes . Millets also manage postprandial hyperglycemia , which is a major risk factor . Thus , millets can get down your blood sugar levels .

Did you ever heard about Moringa oleifera ? How is it beneficial to us in diet ? Wanted to know about all the benefits about it ? You will come to know everything that you wanted to know about it by the end of this article ?

What is Moringa oleifera ?

Moringa oleifera is usually known as the drumstick tree . It is also known as the miracle tree , ben oil tree / benzolive tree or the horseradish tree . Moringa oleifera is a tree native to North India .It is significantly appropriate for dry regions , as it can be grown using rainwater without expensive irrigation techniques . Moringa is largely produced in India .

Moringa oleifera – Uses :

Almost all parts of the tree are eaten or used. Many parts of the tree are edible , with regional uses varying widely : leaves ,drumsticks , seed oil , immature seeds , flowers etc.., It is very nutritious also .

Leaves are the most nutritious part of the tree . They are the significant source of vitamins – A , B , C & K , beta – carotene , manganese , protein , riboflavin and iron . Moringa leaf extract can also be used as a food preservative . By reducing oxidation , it increases the shelf life of meat .

Drumsticks are a good source of vitamin – C , dietary fiber , potassium , magnesium and manganese .

Seed oil is also known as ben oil from its high concentration of behenic acid . Moringa seed oil is also used as biofuel .

Seeds contain high levels of vitamin C and a moderate amounts of vitamin B and dietary minerals .

Moringa flowers are considered a delicacy in many places . It has many nutritional benefits and also a powerful medicine .

Benefits :

Moringa oleifera is rich in antioxidants . High levels of free radicals may cause oxidative stress , which is associated with chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes . A powerful antioxidant known as ‘ Quercetin ‘ is present . it helps to lower blood pressure . ‘ Chlorogenic acid ‘ helps to moderate blood sugar levels . Moringa is used for asthma , diabetes , obesity , high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood ( hyperlipidemia ) .

• Regulates blood sugar levels
• Helps improve digestive health
• Development of stronger bones
• Improves immunity
• Relieves respiratory disorders
• Helps purifying blood
• Good for hair and skin
• Keeps your heart healthy

Is chocolate addictive ? Can you become addicted to it ? Why is it so addictive ? Whether chocoholism exists or not ? Are you curious…, & Wanted to know answers for all these questions ..!? This article tells you about everything you need to know about chocoholism .. So , lets get started ..!

Who are known as chocoholics ?

A chocoholic is a person who is obsessed with eating chocolates . They are the one who craves / obsessively consumes chocolate . Chocoholics are extremely fond of chocolates .

Are you addicted to Chocolate ?

Can an individual become addicted to chocolate , or food generally ? The essential reasons of addiction are : over craving , loss of control , continuous use etc.., These addictives are found to cause a release of dopamine – a neurotransmitter , helps to transmit signals in brain and other important areas . Studies have shown that people can exhibit all these components , because chocolates contains both sugars and fats .

Whether “chocoholism” exists or not ?

Chocolate is the most frequently craved food for women ..! Chocolate craving is very common , but when we eat such sweet & high fat foods , it leads to the release of serotonin . Chocolates contains several biologically active ingredients , which leads to psychological sensations like those of other addictive substances .

Many researchers believe that chocolate addiction is not a true addiction . Because it contains potentially mood – altering substances , in higher concentrations .

Chocoholism is quite common . Chocolate is so addictive because enkephalin triggers opioid receptors . Basically , eating chocolate increases your enkephalin levels , because of the increased levels of enkephalin lead you to eat more chocolate . Thus , you might also become chocoholic , due to the rise in your enkephalin levels .

Almonds are rich in nutrients like vitamin E , protein , dietary fibres & Omega 3 fatty acids . They are a good source of vitamin B along with vitamin E content & Mg . Almonds are also a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids which reduces the risk of heart disease by reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol and also controls blood sugar levels.. This article tells you everything you need to know about consuming of almonds .

Why to soak almonds ?

Soaking helps in good digestion and nutrient availability . They are a good source of antioxidants , helps in lowering and maintaining glucose levels and regulates high blood pressure . Almonds consists of monounsaturated fatty acids ( MUFA’s ) . The MUFA’s present in almonds curb your appetite and keep you full . They also help you to avoid binge – eating and triggers weight loss . Soaking can significantly reduce antinutrient levels , phytic acid levels etc.,

Benefits of soaked almonds ..

Choosing between soaked and unsoaked almonds : Taste doesn’t matter , but health does ..! Many people are unaware almonds brown peel consists of tannins .

Soaked almonds are healthier than raw almonds . They are softer and easy to digest & nutrient absorption . Soaked almonds contain vitamin B 17 & folic acid . Some other benefits are :

• Helps in digestion
• Helps to reduce weight
• Fights against cancer
• Tumor growth is suppressed
• Lowering glucose levels
• Regulating high blood pressure
• Good source of antioxidants

They are a good source of energy , because they contain 600 – 650 kcal of energy , 55 – 60% of fat . Carbohydrate content is low compared to other nuts . Almonds along with dried fruits can be taken as snack .

Almonds have many nutritional aspects , and its a super food to get all the benefits . So , its better to make sure to include this nutrient rich food in your daily diet ..