scholarly journals Healthy Foods as Proxy for Functional Foods: Consumers’ Awareness, Perception, and Demand for Natural Functional Foods in Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akhter Ali ◽  
Dil Bahadur Rahut
Keyword(s):  
Significant Role ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Functional Food ◽  
Functional Foods ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
The People ◽  
And Gender

Using comprehensive primary dataset collected from 400 respondents from all four major provinces of Pakistan, this study assesses consumers’ knowledge, awareness, and perception regarding the use of functional foods. The empirical findings show that the majority of the consumers do not have information and knowledge about the functional foods in Pakistan. Hence, the frequency of consumption of functional food was low especially in rural areas. The result revealed that consumers with ill health were more eager to consume functional foods compared to healthier people. Besides health, the level of education and gender (female) of the respondent also play significant role in the acceptability and consumption of the functional foods in Pakistan. Geographically the people in the cities were more aware and willing to pay more for the functional foods as compared to people living in the villages. Majority of the consumers think that consumption of functional foods can help them to maintain good health, hence the policy makers’ needs to create more awareness.

scholarly journals Use of functional foods among Swedish consumers is related to health-consciousness and perceived effect

2007 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 1058-1069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Landström ◽  
Ulla-Kaisa Koivisto Hursti ◽  
Wulf Becker ◽  
Maria Magnusson
Keyword(s):  
Functional Food ◽  
Functional Foods ◽  
Health Effect ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Swedish Population ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Health Consciousness ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
High Level

The aim of the present study was to survey attitudes to and use of functional foods and to investigate which demographic variables and attitudes to diet and health predict consumption of functional foods among Swedish consumers. A questionnaire was developed and sent to 2000 randomly selected Swedish citizens aged between 17 and 75 years. A total of 972 (48 %) responded, 53 % were female and 44 % male. Mean age was 45 years. The results revealed that 84 % of respondents were familiar with the concept of functional foods; 83 % had consumed/purchased at least one of the seven functional food products presented in the questionnaire. Of those who had consumed a functional food, 25 % had perceived effect of it. Positive correlations were seen between consumers perceiving a personal reward from eating functional foods, having an interest in natural products and an interest in general health. Consumption/purchase of functional foods was related to beliefs in the effects of the products, having consumed nutraceuticals or dietary supplements, having a diet-related problem personally or in the family, and a high level of education. The characteristic Swedish functional food consumer has a high level of education, is health-conscious and interested in healthy foods and believes in the health effect of functional foods. Thus, factors other than demographics better explain consumption of FF. However, the study population may represent a more health-conscious segment of the Swedish population in general. Additional studies are therefore required to elucidate the attitudes and use of FF in different consumer groups.

Potentiality of probiotic yoghurt as a functional food – a review

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Sarkar
Keyword(s):  
Functional Properties ◽  
Functional Food ◽  
Functional Foods ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Cultural Tradition ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Life ◽  
The World ◽  
Risk Of Disease

PurposeYoghurt is most popular and more acceptable throughout the world because of its general positive image among consumers because of its diverse nutritional and therapeutic properties and can be the most suitable probiotic carrier. Key factors for consumer’s inclination towards functional foods are increased awareness for healthy foods because of health deterioration resulting from busy lifestyles, growing healthcare cost and the aspiration for an improved quality life in later years. Yoghurt is still not consumed in certain parts of the world because of a lack of a cultural tradition of consuming yogurt and further people are not aware of the health benefits associated with yogurt consumption. In this study an attempt has been to project probiotic yoghurt as a functional food in the current era of self-care and complementary medicine.Design/methodology/approachAttempt has been made to review the literature on the biochemical activities of yoghurt cultures and their behavior in association with diverse probiotic cultures. Both review and research papers related to biochemical activities and functional properties of yoghurt cultures in association with probiotics and their health benefits published in diverse journals under Pub Med and Science Direct have been considered. Keywords used for data search included functional foods, yoghurt, probiotic, health benefits, etc.FindingsFunctional properties of yoghurt can be further enhanced with fortification of minerals and vitamins or inclusion of probiotic cultures. Diversity in biochemical behavior yoghurt cultures in association with different probiotic cultures has been reported. Conjugated application of probiotics with yoghurt cultures would result in a product with enhanced functional properties to extend health benefits.Originality/valueInclusion of probiotic cultures in yoghurt is suggested to extend the functional properties of normal yoghurt, thus providing necessary nutrients, improving health and preventing or reducing nutrition-related diseases. Regular intake of probiotic yoghurt is suggested for healthy lifestyles, as it will help in retaining their health and reduce the potentially long-term risk of disease. Food industries can have profit-driven business by projecting the probiotic yoghurt as a functional food.

Consumers’ perception of amaranth in Mexico

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (6) ◽  
pp. 1190-1202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Rojas-Rivas ◽  
Angélica Espinoza-Ortega ◽  
Humberto Thomé-Ortiz ◽  
Sergio Moctezuma-Pérez
Keyword(s):  
Functional Food ◽  
Functional Foods ◽  
Word Association ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Traditional Foods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Socioeconomic Changes ◽  
Gender And Age

Purpose Demographic and socioeconomic changes, and health issues, promote interest in emerging countries for healthy foods, taking traditional foods under the perspective of functional foods. Amaranth has moved from local to a wider consumption as a functional food. The purpose of this paper is to identify consumers’ perception about amaranth and its relation to consumption motives. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was applied to 610 respondents, and free word association determined their perception about amaranth through categories. Cluster analysis identified groups of consumers according to their motives for consumption. Global χ2 and correspondence analysis related consumers’ perceptions in the groups were identified. Findings A total of 16 word categories reflected consumers’ perception about amaranth. Most mentioned were: Traditional product, Hedonism and Health and well-being. Three groups showed significant differences regarding motives of consumption. It is concluded that perceptions about amaranth are closely linked to the motives of consumption. Perceptions of health benefits are related to motives for health issues and taste. There is a group that still consumes amaranth perceived as a traditional food. Practical implications As a functional food, these results could be useful to promote amaranth from its perception as healthy. Producers might develop products based on amaranth that meet perceptions considering gender and age in Mexico and other emergent countries. Originality/value This work contributes knowledge to international research that analyses traditional foods as functional foods and consumer perceptions on these. It is a first approach to identify perceptions of Mexican consumers towards amaranth as a traditional and a functional food.

scholarly journals Emerging Model Villages in India

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-258
Author(s):  
Sanhita Rahul Joshi
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Rural Landscape ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Constitutional Amendment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Grass Roots ◽  
The People ◽  
Community People

Although India no more lives in its villages, the rural population is still sizeable and, more importantly, it reels under the pressure of extreme poverty, pitiable basic amenities, and dearth of livelihood opportunities. Urbanisation and urban growth has captured the attention of government and policy makers especially in the post liberalisation period. However, much needs to be done to improve the conditions of the people living in rural areas. Strengthening of village democracy was considered as a possible solution to resolving issues at the grass-roots level. This paved way for the historic 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA) in 1993 which sought to empower people at the base of India’s federal polity. Encouraging people’s participation in the process of development, policy making and its implementation was the fundamental objective of this legislation. Twenty- five years have passed since the adoption of the 73rd CAA in 1993 but still much needs to be done. There is an urgent need to transform the rural landscape of India and bring it on a par with its urban counterparts while retaining the soul of rural life. The case of village Punsari from the Sabharkantha District of the state of Gujarat (India) is unique as it stands out as a smart and model village. All the modern amenities found in an urban area are available in this village. Using descriptive analytical framework, the paper aims to argue that such smart villages are a ray of hope for the rural revitalisation in Indian countryside. Semi-structured interviews with the local leaders, officers, and stakeholders form an important part of the research used to generate insights and conclusions. The paper argues that grass-roots leadership, community participation, decentralisation of powers to local bodies in rural areas, and financial support in the form of various government schemes can bring far-reaching changes in the rural landscape of India. Punsari represents a classic example as well as an exemplar of concerted efforts of elected leaders, community people, and government support to bring about transformation and make villages smart as well as sustainable.

Differences in Fertility Behaviour among the Farm, Rural and Urban Populations in Slovenia

2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-74
Author(s):  
Majda Istenič
Keyword(s):  
Low Fertility ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Urban Populations ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Fertility Behaviour ◽  
Slovenian Population ◽  
The People ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Almost All

Differences in Fertility Behaviour among the Farm, Rural and Urban Populations in SloveniaBelow replacement fertility in almost all European countries and lowest low fertility in a large part of the continent are significant demographic issues that concern contemporary policy makers and social scientists. Statistical data for Slovenia show that, with the exception of the farm population, all social groups have fertility levels that are below reproduction. This paper attempts to find out which factors are the most accountable for these differences and intends to contribute to broader scientific and public debates about the reasons for very low fertility in the ‘industrialized world’. The results of the analysis based on the survey "Generations and Gender Relationships on Slovenian Farms" (2007) indicate that differences in fertility behaviour among the farm and other parts of the Slovenian population are more related to the structural than cultural characteristics of the people.

scholarly journals Determinants of Contraceptive use on Fertility Reduction in Rwanda

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Muremyi ◽  
David Mutabazi
Keyword(s):  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Fertility Rate ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Head Of Household ◽  
Fertility Reduction ◽  
The People ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background: Rwanda has shown a rise in the use of contraception from 17% to 52% between 2010 and 2015 due to the promotion of family planning. Despite, the increase in number of contraceptive use there still a high rate of fertility rate which is the increase of population growth in RwandaMethods: In this study, the determinants of contraceptive use on fertility rate reduction in Rwanda was assessed using the data from RDHS 2014/2015 and the sample was constituted with 5,954 household respondents where the targeted population were male between 15-59 years and female between 15-49 years of age, multinomial logistic regression was used to prove the full contribution of contraceptive use to the fertility reduction in the country in order to improve Rwandan’s welfare.Results: The findings from our study, indicated that gender, province, education level are statistically significant , thus (AOR=0.45, CI 95% -.8 561241 to -.6059524 ) indicate that women decreased the adjusted odd ratio on the use of contraceptive use compared to men at 45%., (AOR=1.077, CI95%, 0214347 to .099044) this means that there was an increase of the use of contraceptive use in other provinces compared to those located in Kigali city,( AOR=1.130, CI95%, .0 685488 to .1644038) increase of contraceptive use on the head of household with high level of education compared to those with lower level of education. Conclusion: The people who have higher level of education use contraceptive use compare to other level of education. Finally, policy makers should consider programs to keep girls in schools, at least up to secondary level. Furthermore, sexual and reproductive health programs should be encouraged in the adolescents.

An Overview and Therapeutic Applications of Nutraceutical and Functional Foods

2016 ◽  
pp. 160-201
Author(s):  
Raj K. Keservani ◽  
Anil K. Sharma ◽  
Rajesh K. Kesharwani
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Functional Food ◽  
Functional Foods ◽  
Health Benefit ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Global Industry ◽  
Healthy Nutrition ◽  
Care Costs

Healthy nutrition is important for human beings for good health provided by global industry. Nutraceutical and functional food provide a prospect to reduce health care costs and improve the human health. Researchers carried out plenty of work for the preparation of nutraceutical and functional food product. This article also focused on recent advances on the nutraceutical and functional foods product on health benefits and their application in prevention of disease. Here we discussed about the health benefit of recently introduced nutraceutical and functional food products. With the modernised, competitive lifestyle and ever increasing stressful conditions this product is the need of the day.

Important indigenous plants used in the Transkei as food supplements

Bothalia ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 14 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 613-615 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. S. Wehmeyer ◽  
Elizabeth F. Rose
Keyword(s):  
Significant Role ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Chenopodium Album ◽  
Solanum Nigrum ◽  
Food Supplements ◽  
Edible Plants ◽  
Indigenous Plants ◽  
Sonchus Asper ◽  
The People ◽  
Urtica Urens

Despite the fact that there is a tendency to rely more and more on foods which can be purchased at stores, the indigenous edible plants or veld foods play a significant role in the diet of the people living in the rural areas of the Transkei. Although more work is required to gather and prepare veld foods, they can be an important and inexpensive source of macronutrients — carbohydrates, fats and protein — and also micronutrients such as minerals and vitamins. Some of the more commonly-used plants such as  Sonchus asper, Chenopodium album, Centella coriacea, Galinsoga parviflora, Urtica urens and Solanum nigrum are discussed and nutrient composition given. The names of a few plants which should rather be avoided, are also given. Many of these edible plants are also regarded as weeds and. instead of eradicating them, their cultivation should perhaps be encouraged.

scholarly journals The Nature of Poverty and Its Prospects: Pakistan Evidence

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 184-195
Author(s):  
Gobind M. Herani ◽  
Pervez Wasim ◽  
Allah Wasayo Rajar ◽  
Riaz Ahmed Shaikh
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Community Organizations ◽  
Livelihood Diversification ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The People ◽  
The World ◽  
Business Approach

Livelihood depends upon development, which directly or indirectly needs intervention of Government, NGOs and Community Organizations, etc. Diversification widens people’s options, encourages spatially diverse transactions, increases cash in circulation in rural areas, and enhances human capital by providing those who diversify with new skills and experiences. People living in country are highly skilled can transform the available resources into something usable for consumption. Microcredit programmes have brought the vibrancy of the market economy to the poorest villages and the people of the World. This business approach to alleviation of poverty has allowed millions of individuals to work their way out of poverty with dignity. The contribution made by livelihood diversification to rural livelihoods is a significant one, which has often been ignored by policy makers. As Pakistan is also a developing country, that is why, we need to identify reasons. To keep these things in mind attempt has been made to identify the reasons of poverty as special objective; and to identify strategies made by country for the reduction of poverty and its consequences. This study is an exploratory research.

scholarly journals FFC’s Advancement of the Establishment of Functional Food Science

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danik Martirosyan ◽  
Jack Liufu
Keyword(s):  
Functional Food ◽  
Functional Foods ◽  
Bioactive Compound ◽  
Good Health ◽  
The United States ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Food Science ◽  
Working Definition ◽  
The Government

The Functional Food Center (FFC) has previously defined functional food as foods which have scientifically-proven benefits toward improving general health and ameliorating the effects of chronic diseases. Given this useful working definition of functional food, it’s now imperative to delineate and establish a field of functional food science. Currently, there are no published articles on what functional food science is. Defining functional food science is necessary so that a legitimate field can be established and recognized by the government as well as a global network of researchers and scientists. In this way, appropriate funding and advancements can be made, and functional foods can make their way towards significantly improving the lives of people in the United States and also around the world, as is the goal. As a result of this need, functional food science will be defined as the process of preparing functional foods as well as a field intersecting the realms of health and medical treatment. In this sense, functional food science not only deals with preparing functional foods but also with the efficacy of their health benefits. More specifically, as sciences are often defined by their processes, functional food science can be defined as the comprehensive, aggregate, interdisciplinary, and collaborative processes of: establishing a target and finding a bioactive compound that enables that effect, finding the correlated measurable biomarker, running testing to find proper dosage and effectiveness, performing clinical trials to ensure efficacy, creating the functional food with an informative label, releasing to market and running epidemiological studies to verify it. Although this understanding and definition is nascent, this can be a starting ground for the FDA and other governmental bodies, as well as the scientific and functional food community, to develop a robust, extrapolatable, and useful outline of functional food science. With an established field of functional food science, functional foods can be researched, produced, and made official and trustworthy, so that there can be large positive impacts on public health, both in disease prevention and in maintenance of good health.

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