Popularization of green gram flour incorporated foods among home makers to overcome malnutrition

Abstract

Malnutritionis a life-threateningcondition often caused by a diet lacking in essential proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. It is one of the major health problems faced by the developing countries. It puts the young children puts them at a higher risk of experiencing health problems such as stunted growth, mental retardation, and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases. More than 200 million school age children are affected by malnutrition, if no action is taken and at this rate, about one billion school children will be growing up by 2020 with impaired physical and mental development. Malnutrition, influenced by economic (rising food prices), social (food taboos), environmental (poor sanitation/ hygiene)and individual (inadequate food intake) factors is an important concern in children under 6 years. The dietary approach is more sustainable to alleviate malnutrition.Dietary proteins serves as major protein sources in the diets of the poor in the underdeveloped and developing countriesto overcome malnutrition.Among the protein rich foods Mungbean (Vignaradiata), also called green gram is a tropical legume, widely grown in Asia, particularly in Thailand, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. They are grown widely for use as human food (as dry beans or fresh sprouts). They contribute high levels of proteins, amino acids, oligosaccharides, and polyphenols to the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activitiesin food.Keeping these points in mind, the present study was designed to formulate various recipes from nutrient rich green gram flour andpopularize it among home makers who care for their children health.