M. Amirthaveni ¹, S. Premakumari ¹, K. Gomathi ¹, R. Y. Yang ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore-641 043, IN
2 AVRDC- The World Vegetable Center, TW

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is an increasing world health problem; particularly the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has assumed epidemic in developing countries. It is mainly due to the environmental, dietary and lifestyle behavioral factors that control the progress of this disease. Nutrition is often said to be the cornerstone of diabetes care. The nutritional management of diabetes can affect long term health and quality of life. There is increasing evidence that complications related to diabetes are associated with oxidative stress induced by the generation of free radicals. Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L. ) is a common food in Indian cuisine and has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. Medicinal value of bitter gourd has been attributed to its high antioxidant properties due in part to phenols, flavonoids, isoflavones, terpenes, anthroquinones and glucosinolates. Hypoglycaemic effect of bitter gourd extracts have been demonstrated in various animal models of insulin resistance.

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S. Premakumari ¹, U. K. Lakshmi ¹, M. Amirthaveni ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore – 641 043, IN

Abstract

Glutamate in the free form is abundantly found in all natural foods and it has been used as a flavour enhancer for more than thousand years across the world. It is a multifunctional amino acid. Around 50g of glutamate is synthesised in the body and 20 to 40 g is obtained from the food every day. In the central nervous system glutamate is the dominant excitatory neurotransmitter as it regulates several neuronal related functions in the body. Human and animal studies indicate that glutamate is the major oxidative fuel for the gut and the dietary glutamate is extensively metabolised by the intestine.

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M. Amirthaveni

Abstract

Book Review Titles:

* Pre-Term Birth-Causes, Consequences and Prevention.

* Evaluation of Certain Food Additives and Contaminants.

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A. Thirumani Devi ¹, M. Amirthaveni ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam University for Women, Coimbatore - 641043, IN

Abstract

Nutrition intervention aimed ot provision of food or nutrients directly to people who are at risk of developing malnutrition constitute a familiar strategy pursued by the health and social welfare sectors in many developing countries including India.

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Pauline Suganthi Vijayabharathi ¹, M. Amirthaveni ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sadakathulla Appa College, Tiruneheli, IN
2 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam University for Women, Coimbatore - 641043, IN

Abstract

Diet has a key role in determining urinary chemistry and can influence the risk of stone formation. The nutritional risk factors include an inadequate intake of fluids or excessive intake of foods rich in oxalates, sodium, calcium or animal protein. Diet influences urinary constituents and pH, which may affect stone nucleation and growth.

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R. Radha ¹, M. Amirthaveni ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam Univeristy for Women, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is an epidemic disease in most countries that are undergoing socioeconomic transitions. The prevalence of diabetes for all age groups worldwide was estimated to be 2.8 per cent in 2000 and 4.4 per cent in 2030. The total number of people with diabetes is projected to rise from 171 million in 2000 to 366 million in 2030.

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Pauline Suganthi Vijaya Bharathi ¹, M. Amirthaveni ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Sadakathullah Appa College, Tirunelveli, IN
2 Department of Family and Community Science, Avinashilingam University for Women, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

Urolithiasis (urinary stone disease) is one of the common afflictions of the urinary tract and it constitutes significant proportions of the urological disorders and morbidity. Kidney and bladder stones cause excruciating pain, tend to recur and are distressingly common. Despite its low mortality, the disease is recurrent and affects people in their most productive years, with pain that is legendary in severity. Five to twelve per cent of the population will develop kidney stones during their life time.

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P. Nazni ¹, M. Amirthaveni ², T. Poongodi Vijayakumar ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Food Science, Periyar University, Salem - 636 011, IN
2 Department of Family and Community Science, Avinashilingam Deemed University, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common problems challenging physicians in the 21^st century. It is also called as "Ice Berg" disease. World Health Organization stresses that India will have the greatest magnitude of increase, approximately 170 per cent by the year 2025 AD. Within the allotted span, India shall also have the dubious distinction of having the maximum number of diabetics in the world. To note, most of these diabetic individuals in India shall be in the most productive years of their lives. More than 90 per cent of the diabetic patients in India are suffering from type II diabetes.

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M. Amirthaveni ¹, A. Thirumanidevi ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Family and Community Science, Avinashilingam Deemed University, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

Diabetes is an "iceberg" diseases. According to recent estimates, tine prevalence of diabetes mellitus in adults is around four per cent worldwide, and this means that over 143 million people are now affected. It is projected that the disease prevalence will be 4.5 per cent by the year 2025, with global diabetic population reaching 300 million. Of which, nearly 77 per cent of the global burden of disease is projected to occur in the developing countries.

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M. Amirthaveni ¹, Chaoalavada Shrilakshmi ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Family and Community Science, Avinashilingam Deemed University, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is responsible for about 40 per cent of deaths in developing countries. Simple accessible and cost effective preventive therapies that decrease the incidence of CVD could greatly effect public heath. Substantial interest has recently focused on the hypothesis that the naturally occurring antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin E, C and beta-carotene may prevent myocardial infarction, progression of coronary heart diseases or strokes.

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M. Amirthaveni ¹, P. Vijayalakshmi ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Family and Community Science, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women-Deemed University, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is responsible for about 40 per cent of death in developing countries. The incidence of CVD in 1980 was one per cent whereas now it has increased to 11 per cent and it is going to reach 20 to 27 per cent in another 20 years. Cardiovascular Diseases remain the most important cause of early invalidity, professional inactivity and premature death. The most effective treatment recommended for elevated serum cholesterol by dietary means is to replace foods high in saturated fats with those high in PUFA.

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P. Vijayalakshmi ¹, M. Amirthaveni ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Family and Community Science, Avinashilingam Deemed University, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

Siddha medicine is the oldest and foremost of all other medicinal system of the world and it is invogue ever since man started growing vegetables on the Earth. There are two ancient system of medicine in India. The siddha flourished in South India and Ayurvedha was prevalent in North India. Siddha system is an ancient traditional system of Indian medicine developed by siddhars. They led simple lives, following the laws of nature and achieved longevity without becoming senile. They contributed not only to the siddha system of medicine but also provided knowledge of eternity, alchemy and yogic living.

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M. Amirthaveni ¹, C. W. Barikor ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Family and Community Science, Avinashilingam Deemed University, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

Health and nutrition are the most important contributory factors for human resource development in the country. WHO constitution states that "the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, region, political, economic and social condition".

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R. Sathya ¹, M. Amirthaveni ¹, Vijayalakshmi Purushothaman ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Family and Community Science, Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore, IN

Abstract

Globally three deficiencies of the greatest public health significance are those of vitamin A, iron and iodine. According to NIN iron deficiency is the most common dietary deficiency affecting mostly children (6-24 months) and women of child bearing age. It leads to anemia, which contributes significantly to maternal and neonatal deaths.

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M. Amirthaveni ¹, P. Vijayalakshmi ¹, M. N. Niklia ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Family and Community Science, Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

"A healthy body is the guest chamber for the soul, a sick body is a prison" - Bacon. Man can live in happiness without many earthly possessions, but not without good health. Health cannot be purchased by spending money on medicine and drugs.

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M. Amirthaveni ¹, R. Srividhya ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Family and Community Sciences, Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

Proper diet is the key to good health and vigour. Sensible and healthy food habits right from childhood coupled with good life styles can, not only delay aging and increase the life span, but also add to the quality of life. "Health for all by 2000 A.D." and All for Health" should encompass diseases due to inadequate as well as faulty diets.

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M. Amirthaveni ¹, P. Amirtham ¹, P. Vijayalakshmi ¹

Affiliations
1 Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Deemed University, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

Man needs adequate food for growth, development and to lead an active and healthy life. Food should be nutritious, attractive in flavour and appearance if it is to be eaten and enjoyed.

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Usha Chandrasekhar ¹, M. Amirthaveni ¹

Affiliations
1 Sri Avinashilingam Home Science College for Women, Coimbatore-641011, IN

Abstract

Home and school play an important role in inculcating proper education for the alround development of the personality of the child. School lunch is an effective tool to teach nutrition, help to develop food habits, social living and harmony. The beneficial effects of school lunch programme have been reported by Devadas et al.

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M. Amirthaveni ¹, S. Premakumari ¹, K. Gomathi ², Ray-yu-Yang ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam University for Women, Coimbatore-641043, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Department of Home Science, Sri Sarada College for Women, Salem-636016, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 AVRDC-The World Vegetable Center, P.O. Box 42, Shanhua, 74151 Tainan, TW

Abstract

High prevalence of pre diabetes observed in many South Asian countries highlights a potential indicator of further progression of the diabetic epidemic in the region. Average expenditure related to diabetes per person in India is higher. Unless appropriate action is taken, this will place an economic burden, hence a food based approach was planned to reduce the incidence of pre diabetes. The main aim of the study was to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of bitter gourd (Mormordica charantia L.)among pre diabetics. A single blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized, cross-over designed intervention study was conducted with freeze dried bitter gourd powder (2.5 g) to find out its hypoglycemic effect. In the first phase Group 1 (AB) started the bitter gourd juice (A) intervention followed by placebo (B), while the Group 2 (BA) started the supplementation with placebo (B) followed by bitter gourd (A). The intervention continued for a period of eight weeks. Between the two arms, 4 weeks were left as wash-out period to minimize the carry-over effect of one phase to the other. Cross over was done after the washout period. The mean initial fasting blood glucose level of pre diabetics in AB group was 110.66 mg/dl which reduced significantly (p<0.01) to 99.86 mg/dl at the end of intervention. In case of BA group the placebo treatment did not bring any appreciable change in FBG where as the bitter gourd treatment was found to have a significant (p<0.01) impact. No serious adverse effects were observed. The present study proved that the consumption of bitter gourd juice prepared with 2.5 g freeze dried bitter gourd powder (50g of the vegetable) reduced the fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol level among the pre diabetics.

Keywords

Hypoglycemia, Pre Diabetes, Bitter Gourd, Diabetes, Cross-Over Design.

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