Kowsalya .S

Avinashilingam University · Department of Food Science and Nutrition

The present study evaluated the nutritional composition of under-exploited edible seaweeds and its comparison with recommended dietary allowances (RDA) of pregnant women. Some under-exploited seaweeds were identified such as Acanthophora spicifera, Gracilaria edulis, Padina gymnospora, Ulva fasciata and Enteromorpha flexuosa were not utilized direc...

Seaweeds are known to be rich source of micronutrients and bioactive compounds. The main objective of this study was to find the toxicological evaluation and heavy metal accumulation of five under-exploited edible seaweeds in animal model followed by dosage determination for regular consumption as a food by humans and food application. Some under-e...

Micronutrient malnutrition is a universal problem affecting over 2 billion people worldwide. The use of locally available food is a sustainable solution to micronutrient malnutrition. The specific objective of the present study was to assess the In- vitro bioaccessibility of iron and zinc from pearl millet-based convenience foods. The results of th...

Selected seaweeds (Acanthophora spicifera, Gracilaria edulis, Padina gymnospora, Ulva fasciata, and Enteromorpha flexuosa) from the Gulf of Mannar coast, India, were analyzed for their antioxidant properties. Derived phenols in the methanolic extracts of these seaweeds were quantified and their scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydra...

Seaweeds are non-flowering marine macro algae which are grown in wide spectra. The edible green seaweed Ulva fasicata shows potent therapeutic value and it is used as nanoparticle agent in cancer therapy. Synthesis of biological nanoparticles is physiologically toxic free with more effective in the treatment of cancer. Hence Ulva fasicata was devel...

The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of infants in Ramanathapuram district of Tamilnadu. The present study comprised a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in seven taluks of the Ramanathapuram district. A total of 2800 infants (<1 year of age) comprising of 1400 male and 1400 female infants were selected from all t...

Adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood. It is characterized by rapid physical, biological and hormonal changes resulting in psycho-social, behavioral and sexual maturation. During this period, upto 45 per cent of skeletal growth takes place, 20 per cent of adult height is achieved, 50 per cent of adult weight is gained, u...

A group of 30 Wistar albino rats were selected and divided into five groups of six rats each. The hypoglycemic effect of aqueous extract Ulva fasciata was evaluated in diabetic rats using two different dose (200 and 400 mg/kg) in terms of blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and hepatic glycogen were examined in control and extract treated diabet...

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of Kappaphycus alvarezii methanolic extracts in albino rats.Methods Sub–chronic toxicity was tested with a single dose of intraperitonal administration of the extract as per the OECD guidelines in the experimental group rats and the control group rats was fed with standard diet and water ad libitu...

Underexploited seaweeds of south India namely Acanthophora spicifera, Gracilaria edulis, Padina gymnospora, Ulva fasciata and Enteromorpha flexuosa collected from Gulf of Mannar Coast, Ramanathapuram district India, were screened for their antimicrobial potential against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococci, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella aerogenes, P...

Seaweeds are primitive non flowering aquatic plants, which have been a source of food, feed and medicine since ancient times. The selected green seaweed U. fasciata collected from Gulf of Mannar is a unique marine habitat that belongs to the diverse class of seaweeds. Hence the present study was conducted with the specific objectives to explore the...

The study aimed at evaluating the nutrient and nutraceutical potentials of the selected seaweed biomass namely Ulva lactuca and Kappaphycus alvarezii. The selected seaweeds were found to be rich in macro and micronutrients. Kappaphycus contained high amount of ash when compared to U. lactuca. It is revealed that the mercury level in U. lactuca was...

This study emphasizes the fact that the prevalence of overweight and obesity is slowly but steadily gaining momentum even in the Indian scenario. Of 491 adult subjects evaluated for obesity in Kerala State, India, nearly a quarter were found to be overweight and almost one-tenth were obese, with a slightly higher predisposition among males than fem...

A study was undertaken to determine the nutritive value of selected greens in their dehydrated forms and retention of nutrients after rehydration of the selected green leafy vegetables. The moisture contents of fresh arai keerai, mulla keerai, paruppu keerai and drumstick leaves were 87.5, 83.5, 89.5 and 70.0 g, respectively. Corresponding ranges o...

A survey was conducted to study the consumption pattern of street foods in Kochi, following which eight commonly consumed street foods were collected from three different sources viz., (1) a street vendor (ii) restaurant and (111) a house in the city. All the samples were analysed for proximate composition and tested for adulteration. Four most wid...

Ten green leafy vegetables, five other vegetables, five fruits in raw form and cooked greens were analysed for their total carotene contents by spectrophotometry and beta carotene/provitamin A content by HPLC. Selected foods were also evaluated for absorption of carotenes in humans. Dark green leafy vegetables were found to be the richest source of...

Vitamin A deficiency produces xerophthalmia and blindness. Vitamin A deficiency is a potential micro nutrient problem prevalent in most economically deprived countries including India. According to World Health Organization 2.8 million pre school children are at risk of developing nutritional blindness. Among the possible strategies of overcoming v...

Diabetes mellitus has been known for centuries as a chronic metoboiic disorder. Incidence of diabetes is global in distribution (1.3 per cent). The prevalence is 2 to 4 per cent in india.