Vol. 11, Special Issue 9 (2022)

Author(s):
Jhelum Devendrasinh Rajput, Sury Pratap Singh and Trilok Akhani

Abstract:
Functional spread is a category of spread rather paste formed by utilising nutritive and healthy seeds such as sesame seeds, sunflower seed, pumpkin seeds and nuts like almonds to attain a nutrient dense amalgam. Its semi-fluid viscosity enables it to spread effortlessly over the surface of food, including toast, and it also functions as a nutritious dip. Being oilseeds by nature, sesame and sunflower seeds offer the ideal texture and consistency needed for a spread in addition to having health advantages. This particular spread has high antioxidant and vitamin-E content. One of the 13 vitamins that are necessary to animals but are not generated by them is vitamin E. Till date, six natural organic compounds belonging to the chemical family of tocochromanols—four tocopherols and two tocotrienols—have been demonstrated as exhibiting vitamin E activity in animals. The principal sources of vitamin E in the human diet are items made from edible plants, particularly seed oils. Even though vitamin E is widely available, independent nutritional studies have found that mild to severe vitamin E deficiencies affect human communities. Functional spread is believed to be a better option than fatty butter and spreads now on the market since it imparts minerals like magnesium, linoleic acid, or Omega 6, and dietary fibres when compared to spreads already available in the market. In this particular spread, sugar is replaced with healthier option such as natural sweetener like dates and honey which contributes towards a nutritive version.