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Article
Publication date: 9 February 2015

C.S. Devaki, D. D. Wadikar and P.E. Patki

The purpose of the paper was to assess the functional properties vegetable gourds & the validated health claims so as to help the future researchers to locate the gaps. However…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper was to assess the functional properties vegetable gourds & the validated health claims so as to help the future researchers to locate the gaps. However, emphasizing on the scientifically available reports was required to make information available in a nutshell to the health-conscious consumers, as well as the researcher from the area of functional foods and nutrition.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a mini-review of scientific findings in different studies on gourd vegetables. The approach to information collection was finding the research gaps and potential areas for future work with a nutritional perspective.

Findings

Ash gourd, bitter gourd and bottle gourd have been extensively studied, and several health benefits and functional components have been reported, while ridge gourd, snake gourd and pointed gourd have been sparsely studied for their therapeutic benefits and the validation thereof; hence, there lies a scope for researchers.

Research limitations/implications

The scarcity of scientific reports compared to the traditional usage and folkloric beliefs was a limitation.

Originality/value

Understanding the nutritional potential of gourd vegetables from scientific reports may influence both the work areas and consumers in the appropriate direction.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 45 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 November 2019

Seok-Tyug Tan and Seok-Shin Tan

Non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cancers and cardiovascular diseases have become a major health concern globally. As literature claims that…

Abstract

Purpose

Non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cancers and cardiovascular diseases have become a major health concern globally. As literature claims that frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables can delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and its complications, this paper aims to evaluate the potential hypoglycemic properties in five types of non-leafy vegetables (pumpkin, sweet potato, bitter gourd, onion and lady’s finger), which are commonly available in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Articles were identified through several main search engines, including Pubmed, Google Scholar, Taylor and Francis Online, EDS, Wiley, ScienceDirect and Scopus. The search was limited to selected keywords to refine the outcome.

Findings

All the five types of non-leafy vegetables demonstrate hypoglycemic properties to some extent. Emerging findings indicate that there are several phytonutrients in the non-leafy vegetables contributing to the hypoglycemic effects. To date, the underlying mechanism of action remains to be elucidated, although a number of potential mechanisms of action have been proposed in the literature.

Originality/value

This review provides some insights into the hypoglycemic properties in non-leafy vegetables. In addition, phytonutrients that are responsible for the hypoglycemic effects and their mechanism of action are also highlighted.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 49 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 June 2018

Anil Panghal, D.N. Yadav, Bhupender S. Khatkar, Himanshu Sharma, Vikas Kumar and Navnidhi Chhikara

Fruits and vegetables, being good source of energy, health promoting and protecting compounds with unique taste and flavor, are attracting consumers since ages. These…

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Abstract

Purpose

Fruits and vegetables, being good source of energy, health promoting and protecting compounds with unique taste and flavor, are attracting consumers since ages. These horticultural produces start deterioration just after harvest; therefore, their proper storage is must during transportation and storage to retain maximum quality parameters and for good market value. Best storage conditions are required to prevent growth of micro flora and to maintain the nutritional values of harvested produce. Retailers and processors in every corner of world want to move toward the cheaper ways to increase the shelf life and texture of horticultural crops for better consumer preference. The purpose of this paper is to make consumers and researchers aware about different post harvest malpractices in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Design/methodology/approach

Lot of chemicals like colors, artificial ripening agents, sweeteners and waxes are applied on surface of horticulture produce to siphon off money from consumers, and these have adverse health effects directly or indirectly. Various regulatory agencies have launched various programs, acts and laws for monitoring and avoiding such unhealthy ways. Regulatory bodies launched training programs also for the food handlers and consumers to ensure the food safety from farm to fork.

Findings

This paper will throw light on different malpractices followed by retailers to manipulate the quality which causes adverse health effects and to create consumer awareness regarding such malpractices.

Originality/value

The paper emphasizes on current malpractices followed by retailers to mislead the consumers about fruits’ and vegetable’ quality by using sweeteners, colors and other chemical. On prolonged consumption, such substances lead to major health issues such as attention disorder.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 48 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Eyarkai Nambi V., Gitanjali Behera, Vinod Kumar Saharan and Vijay Singh Meena

Pickling or salt curing is one of the major traditional processes to increase the shelf life of bitter gourd in India. No information is available about optimization of salt…

Abstract

Purpose

Pickling or salt curing is one of the major traditional processes to increase the shelf life of bitter gourd in India. No information is available about optimization of salt curing of bitter gourd and the related changes in its quality. Moreover, specific investigations are needed to evaluate individual susceptibility of fruit and vegetables to osmotic dewatering with pre-treatment to obtain new minimally processed food products. The purpose of this study is to optimize the salt curing process with blanching as pretreatment for bitter gourd.

Design/methodology/approach

A study was conducted to optimize the blanching and other process factors of salt curing (solution concentration and treatment time) based on mass transfer and quality factors of bitter gourd using response surface methodology. Experimental design was made using central composite rotatable design with different time of blanching, solution concentration and treatment time. The colour, firmness, water activity and other mass transfer kinetic parameters were used for optimization.

Findings

Blanching had significant effect (p < 0.001) on water loss (WL), weight reduction (WR), solid gain (SG), water activity and firmness of bitter gourd. Mass transfer kinetic parameters like WL, SG and normalized solid content increased and normalized moisture content was found to decrease with increase in solution concentration and curing time. Relationships between process variables and quality factors were established in either quadratic or linear form with higher R2 values. A 15 per cent solution concentration for the period of 5 h with the blanched samples at 800°C for 5.26 min was found to be the optimum condition for osmotic dehydration to achieve maximum WL and SG, minimum water activity and minimum changes in firmness.

Practical implications

The optimized combinations for the salt curing process would be more helpful for the processors and other stakeholders involved in the pickling process by reducing energy and other input resources.

Social implications

Mostly in India, the pickling process is carried out at micro- and small-scale level and in an unorganized way. This study would help those involved to reduce their input resources and to organize the process, thus leading to more dividends to the stakeholders and optimum price to the end-users. For the medium- and large-scale processing units, this study would give insight to automate the whole process in an efficient manner.

Originality/value

This study was performed using sophisticated and higher-end instruments. The data were observed meticulously and analysed with proper statistical tools, increasing the credibility of the study. This study gives concrete results which are directly useful to the stakeholders.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 46 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 20 October 2017

Varun Agarwal and Sweta Agrawalla

Marketing Management, Product & Brand Management, Entrepreneurship.

Abstract

Subject area

Marketing Management, Product & Brand Management, Entrepreneurship.

Study level/applicability

This case can be taught effectively to MBA/BBA students as part of Marketing Management, Product & Brand Management, Entrepreneurship.

Case overview

The case talks about the marketing mix strategy of India’s fastest growing fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) brand Patanjali, with a tremendous revenue growth rate of 100 per cent for the past five years, leaving major FMCG companies insomniac. Patanjali Ayurved Limited riding on Baba Ramdev’s brand equity positioned itself as an authentic Ayurved brand with ancient Indian roots. Patanjali’s product line ranges from healthcare, personal care, home care, to food and more. Patanjali’s products were priced 10-40 per cent lower than that of its competitors. Run by franchisees, Patanjali had a three-tier distribution system. These included Patanjali Chikitsalayas which were franchise dispensaries and clinics along with doctors, Patanjali Arogya Kendra which were health and wellness centres and Swadeshi Kendra, non-medicine outlets. The company has 15,000 exclusive outlets across India and plans to grow to 1,00,000 exclusive outlets by 2020. Patanjali amazed the world by achieving phenomenal success without spending much on advertising in its nascent stage. Recently Patanjali adopted the multinational corporation (MNC) style of advertising by hiring two top advertising agencies McCann and DDB Mudra to prepare the company for the next phase of growth. Patanjali diversified into various segments of the market, ranging from FMCG products, Ayurvedic medicines, Ayurvedic hospitals and a medical college. Patanjali plans to enter various categories of products including the beauty products segment to compete with major MNCs, the baby care segment to compete with Johnson & Johnson, and the sports segment to compete with Nike and Adidas. Patanjali as a brand has a strong positioning in the minds of consumers as a natural and Ayurvedic brand. Will Patanjali’s foray into so many diversified segments lead to a brand extension trap and confused positioning? Because Patanjali as a brand, solely rides on Baba Ramdev’s image, if Baba Ramdev ever finds himself at the centre of a controversy, will Patanjali’s brand equity take a hit? Will it affect the brand Patanjali? Even if Baba Ramdev does not get into any controversy, what will happen to the brand Patanjali when Baba Ramdev is no more? Who should be the next face of Patanjali? Can the brand survive without a face?

Expected learning outcomes

The case is designed to enable students to understand the following key learning points: The concept of marketing mix. Product mix, Promotion mix branding (especially “Person as a Brand”), customer-based brand equity (CBBE) model or brand resonance pyramid.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 7 no. 4
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2005

A.H. Subratty, A. Gurib‐Fakim and F. Mahomoodally

This article focuses on some of the reported medicinal values of bitter melon, an exotic vegetable forming part of the cuisine of various countries.

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Abstract

Purpose

This article focuses on some of the reported medicinal values of bitter melon, an exotic vegetable forming part of the cuisine of various countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Available data in the literature strongly support the anti‐hypoglycaemic properties of Bitter melon. A literature view was carried out and the data were used to validate our findings regarding the effects of extracts of Momordica charantia on uptake of sugar.

Findings

Our work adds on to the growing evidence of the anti‐diabetic properties of bitter melon.

Practical implications

In view of evidence reported in the literature regarding the medicinal properties of vegetables, the importance of vegetables in a well balanced diet should therefore be strongly advocated.

Originality/value

This paper adds on to the evidence of the use of Momordica charantia as a medicinal plant in traditional medicine in the control of blood sugar level.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2013

Santosh Hooda and Asha Kawatra

The purpose of this paper is to study nutritional composition of HM‐4 variety of baby corn.

898

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study nutritional composition of HM‐4 variety of baby corn.

Design/methodology/approach

Baby corn was analysed for proximate composition, available carbohydrates, dietary fiber constituents, in vitro digestibility, minerals, anti‐nutrients, vitamin and amino acids.

Findings

Baby corn contained 90.03, 17.96, 2.13, 5.30 and 5.89 percent moisture, protein, fat, ash and crude fibre, respectively. Total soluble sugars content was 23.43 g/100 gm and reducing sugars was 1.96 g/100 g. It contained 8.10 g/100 g of cellulose and 5.41 g/100 g of lignin. In vitro starch and protein digestibility was 28.80 mg maltose released per gram and 72.18 percent, respectively. Baby corn contained 5.43 mg/100 g of ascorbic acid and 670 μg/100 g of β‐carotene. Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus content of baby corn was 95.00, 345.00 and 898.62 mg/100 g, respectively, baby corn contained 0.05, 2.85 and 0.675μg/g of methionine, isoleucine and leucine, respectively.

Originality/value

The study indicated that baby corn is good source of various nutrients like protein, crude fibre, carbohydrates and dietary fibres and its nutritional quality is at par or even superior to many other commonly used vegetables.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 43 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 November 2023

Thirawut Phichonsatcha, Nathasit Gerdsri, Duanghathai Pentrakoon and Akkharawit Kanjana-Opas

Indigenous knowledge is an essential element for unveiling the evolutionary journey of socio-culture phenomena. One of the key challenges in foresight exercises is to incorporate…

Abstract

Purpose

Indigenous knowledge is an essential element for unveiling the evolutionary journey of socio-culture phenomena. One of the key challenges in foresight exercises is to incorporate social-culture issues such as culture, lifestyle and behavior (referred as indigenous knowledge) into the study. However, the statistical trends of those factors tend to be either not available or limited unlike the population or economic related factors. The purpose of this study is to present the use of valuable data from indigenous knowledge to enhance the foresight exercise through the better understanding of social dynamics and changes.

Design/methodology/approach

The fragmented form of indigenous knowledge is analyzed and converted into a structured data format and then interpreted to unveil the evolutionary journey of socio-cultural phenomena. This study applies a scenario development method to visualize the results of foresight by comparing before and after the integration of indigenous knowledge. Finally, an assessment was conducted to reflect the value enhancement resulting from the integration of indigenous knowledge into the foresight process.

Findings

With the proposed approach, the foresight study on the future development of Thai food was demonstrated. The findings of this study show that the use of indigenous knowledge on eating behavior, cooking style and food flavor helps improve the alternative scenarios for the future development of Thai foods.

Practical implications

Indigenous knowledge can be applied to develop plausible scenarios and future images in foresight exercises. However, by nature, indigenous knowledge is not well-structured and, therefore, needs to be analyzed and turned into structured data so that it can be interpreted before integrating into the foresight process.

Originality/value

This study is one of few studies addressing the opportunities for integrating indigenous knowledge into foresight process. Indigenous knowledge can unveil the evolution of socio-cultural changes to improve the results of foresight study, especially the cases where statistical data and trends may not be sufficient to foresee future development.

Details

foresight, vol. 26 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 July 2009

Darshan Punia, Manju Gupta, Shashi Kala Yadav and Neelam Khetarpaul

This study aims to analyze iodine content in various foods and water.

207

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze iodine content in various foods and water.

Design/methodology/approach

Food and water samples were collected from rural and urban areas of different agroclimatic zones of Haryana State, India, and analyzed for iodine content by a standard method.

Findings

A wide variation was observed in the iodine content of cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits and milk. The iodine content in water samples varied from source to source and from zone to zone.

Research limitations/implications

The investigators could not obtain sufficient samples of pulses and fruits for analysis from rural areas as they are not grown by farmers in their fields.

Originality/value

The study is original and innovative. The values of iodine for various foods are not available in the literature, and thus data of the present study will be useful to researchers, nutritionists, food scientists and dieticians.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 18 April 2018

Nisachon Bubpa and Khanitta Nuntaboot

Due to the increasing population and diverse lifestyles of aging people in Thailand, close examination of their needs and health care problems is required. Availability and…

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Abstract

Purpose

Due to the increasing population and diverse lifestyles of aging people in Thailand, close examination of their needs and health care problems is required. Availability and accessibility of food affects the health and well-being of aging people in the community; therefore, to enhance their quality of life, community nurses and health care personnel must understand the variety of foods in their diet, in order to provide suitable and culturally acceptable nutrition for the elderly. The purpose of this paper is to explore the diversity of foods eaten by older people and the social, economic, environmental, and cultural contexts in which they live in the Northern region of Thailand. This is a part of a larger research project of community food management systems for the care of older people.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical ethnographic research was employed during the study. The data were collected from 41 primary elderly informants and family members. The researcher collected data by conducting individual in-depth interviews, observation of activities, and focus group discussions. The text data were analyzed by content analysis.

Findings

Information gathered from this research reveal nine categories of food which older people are associated with and which include: favorite foods; food provided by others; foodstuffs which should be eaten due to chronic diseases (recommended by doctor); foods to be avoided; snacks; food eaten with others (eating when socializing); food for festivals and cultural traditions; food offered for making merit; and food donated to others.

Originality/value

Utilization of health data, specifically regarding individual dietary diversity, can guide community nurses and health care personnel to provide and promote health that will suit individuals and their families. Community nurses and health care personnel should be aware of the variety of older persons’ diets and the importance of being able to manage and sustain their own nutritional needs. Appropriate nutrition, which is one of the social determinants of health, could improve the quality of the well-being of aging members in the community.

Details

Journal of Health Research, vol. 32 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2586-940X

Keywords

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