human development

In good news for chocoholics, scientists have developed chocolate bars infused with fruit juice, which contain fifty per cent less fat than conventional varieties.

According to new research presented to the American Chemical Society's meeting in New Orleans, the new technology would allow manufacture of chocolate with fruit juice, vitamin C water or diet cola replacing up to 50 per cent of the fat.

The juice is in the form of micro-bubbles that help chocolate retain the lush, velvety "mouth-feel" - the texture that is firm and snappy to the bite and yet melts in the mouth.

The process also prevents "sugar bloom," the unappetising white film that coats the surface of chocolate that has been on the shelf for a while.

"We have established the chemistry that's a starting point for healthier chocolate confectionery,". "This approach maintains the things that make chocolate

'Chocolatey', but with fruit juice instead of fat. Now we're hoping the food industry will take the next steps and use the technology to make tasty, lower-fat chocolate bars and other candy.

Chocolate's high fat and sugar content is a downside, compared to its high levels of healthful plant-based substances termed antioxidants or flavonoids.

Substituting fruit juice or cola reduces the overall sugar content of the candy. The technology works with dark, milk and white chocolate. Chocolate infused with apple, orange and cranberry juice.

Fruit-juice-infused candy tastes like an exciting hybrid between traditional chocolate and a chocolate-juice confectionery.

"Since the juice is spread out in the chocolate, it doesn't overpower the taste of the chocolate. We believe that the technology adds an interesting twist to the range of chocolate confectionery products available.


"The opportunity to replace part of the fat matrix with water-based juice droplets allows for greater flexibility and tailoring of both the overall fat and sugar content,"

Oats contain soluble fibre called beta glucan, which is known to help in reducing cholesterol by the blocking of re-absorption of cholesterol when it passes through the digestive system. Regularly having oats lowers the cholesterol levels in the body. 

 The soluble fibre present in oats tends to slow down the digestion of carbohydrates, thereby reducing the spikes in the blood sugar levels, which in turn do not lead to unwanted urges to eat. Here are 10 different ways to incorporate oats in your diet.

 Instead of having plain oats, throw in some bananas, almond slivers with skimmed milk and you have an extra healthy morning grub. Oats contain low levels of sodium. This reduces the risk of contracting high blood pressure and hypertension.

Craving for some Payasam? How about Oats Payasam instead? Add in a little cardamom, cashew nuts, sweetener and milk with oats for a wonderfully healthy alternative. Also eating oats leaves one much fuller, therefore you tend to eat less. This is especially good for those trying to lose weight. 

For some crunch in your salad, throw in a handful of oats, your Ceaser Salad is now not only tasty but is also packed with the goodness of oats. Oats contains very less amount of fat and lesser calories. This makes it good for overall health.

Those 3pm hunger pangs make you reach out for the unhealthiest of foods. Snack bars are a better option. In a big bowl of oats, add pumpkin seeds, dry fruits and walnuts. Add two teaspoons of honey for consistency; spread the mixture on a tray and cool it. Oats are also known to contain compounds called phytochemicals that can reduce one`s risk of cancer.

How about toast with oats spread for breakfast? This not-so-healthy spread is for when you feel indulgent. Mix oats with cheese and add a dash of ground pepper – store it in an airtight container and use it to brighten up your snack box.

Eggless Oats Cake anyone? Flour, handful of oats, baking powder, yoghurt and honey, mix it well and bake it in the oven for 55 minutes. Cake minus chocolate or sugar; unbelievable isn't it? It sure tastes good! And being a good source of natural dietary fibre, oats are beneficial in curbing the problem of constipation. 

Since plain oats are mostly tasteless, it can be used to crisp up Vegetable Cutlets. Make a patty out of boiled vegetables and coat them with powdered oats and pan fry them. Quick, easy and healthy!