Question

Keeping the concept of health and wellness in mind, explain with examples how food scientists are trying to enhance the food values in processed and packaged foods.

Answer 1

1. Food Fortification: Essential nutrients such as iron, iodine, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and B-complex vitamins are added to foods to prevent nutrient deficiencies.
   Examples: Iodised salt, fortified milk, fortified wheat flour, fortified edible oils, and fortified rice.
2. Development of Functional Foods: Foods are enriched with health-promoting ingredients that provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
   Examples: probiotic curd and yoghurt, high-fibre breakfast cereals, and omega-3-enriched eggs.
3. Reduction of Harmful Ingredients: Food scientists reduce the amount of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats in processed foods to lower the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases.
   Examples: Low-fat milk, low-sugar biscuits, and reduced-sodium snacks.
4. Use of Healthy Ingredients: Refined ingredients are replaced with healthier alternatives to improve nutritional quality.
   Examples: Whole-grain bread, multigrain biscuits, oats, and brown rice products.
5. Improved Food Processing and Packaging: Modern processing and packaging methods help preserve nutrients, improve food safety, and increase shelf life without affecting quality.
   Examples: UHT milk, vacuum-packed foods, and aseptically packed fruit juices.
6. Development of Special Foods: Special foods are prepared to meet the nutritional needs of different groups such as infants, elderly people, diabetic patients, and athletes.
   Examples: Infant formula, diabetic foods, gluten-free products, and protein-rich nutritional supplements.