Latest news with #Kuruva
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Pokkali, Kuruva have lowest glycemic index, says study
1 2 Kochi: While it is known that brown rice has a lower glycemic index (GI) than white rice, a study by a team of researchers at Kerala Fisheries University (Kufos) shows that germinating the paddy before parboiling could ensure a healthy rice meal. The team examined nearly 20 South Indian rice varieties before narrowing down to five commercially significant types — Pokkali, Kuruva, Kattuyanam, Jyothi and Uma. They studied the combined effects of germination and parboiling on starch digestibility, nutrient bioavailability and GI. "We looked at the changes in the content of phenolics, flavonoids, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to understand the glycemic index. These were induced by germination, followed by parboiling. We also carried out clinical trials on volunteers to understand changes in taste and flavour," said Kufos food technology department associate professor Maya Raman. Pokkali had the lowest GI, thus validating the significance of using Pokkali rice in glycemic control and diabetic management through dietary interventions. Employing the germination process with parboiling in Pokkali and Kuruva gave a tasty product acceptable to all, the study found. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo Pokkali, Jyothi, and Uma were collected from the Rice Research Station, Ernakulam while Kuruva and Kattuyanam samples were collected from local farms in Perumbavoor. Each sample was thoroughly examined visually for any kind of contamination or spoilage and stored in airtight containers under refrigerated conditions for further studies. The modifications in cooking and eating quality were also investigated. The oral glucose tolerance test in a healthy population was carried out to validate the predicted GI. The sensory evaluation showed high overall acceptability for all varieties except for Kattuyanam, possibly because the latter had an inherent sticky nature and suboptimal cooked appearance. All samples exhibited an improved flavour, reduced hardness and stickiness after germination, which may be attributed to the hydrolysis of the carbohydrates and proteins. The parboiling process after germination enhanced the appearance, which may be attributed to the stabilised starch structure during parboiling and its aesthetic appearance upon cooking. The parboiling process retained the structural integrity during cooking, thus mitigating the adverse effects of starch disintegration typically seen in germinated rice alone. Pokkali showed the lowest GI, thus validating the significance of using Pokkali rice in glycemic control and diabetic management through dietary interventions. "We suggest that we focus on optimising germination conditions to maximise glycemic benefits and investigate consumer acceptance, which would aid in promoting broader dietary recommendations and enhancing the public health impact of germinated rice," she said.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Kufos restocks native fish species in Chalakudy
Kochi: In a step towards restoring aquatic biodiversity and supporting traditional livelihoods of fisherfolk, indigenous fish seeds were restocked in Chalakudy River, which has the maximum number of fish species in the state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The initiative, aimed at ecological restoration and sustainable inland fisheries, is a joint effort by Annamanada grama panchayat and Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos). Under the restocking programme, 1,500 advanced fingerlings and broodstock of two native species — yellow catfish (Horabagrus brachysoma), locally known as Manjakoori, and olive barb (Systomus sarana), commonly called Kuruva — were released. Yellow catfish is included in threatened category as per International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. "These species are vital components of our riverine ecosystems and local fisheries. Their restocking not only supports biodiversity but also uplifts river-based livelihoods," said Kufos vice-chancellor Biju Kumar. Endemic to Western Ghats, yellow catfish faces increasing threats from habitat degradation, overexploitation and hydrological disruptions. Olive barb, once abundant in river channels and paddy fields, has seen drastic population decline due to pollution, land-use changes and climate-induced stresses. According to recent studies, these two native species contribute an estimated 1.16 metric tonnes (Kuruva) and 2.01 metric tonnes (Manjakoori) to the annual fishery yield in Chalakudy catchment. With more than 110 recorded fish species — over 50% of which are endemic — Chalakudy River and its floodplains are recognized as a critical habitat within Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "This restocking programme is a model of community-driven conservation that we hope to replicate across other degraded river systems," Kumar said. However, the river's ecological integrity is increasingly under threat from biological invasions. Chalakudy system now harbours over 15 non-native species, including at least 12 aggressive exotics such as common carp, sucker mouth catfish (Pterygoplichthys spp), Nile tilapia, alligator gar and giant gourami. Many of these were introduced — often illegally — for aquaculture and ornamental purposes. The 2018 floods further exacerbated the problem, sweeping invasive species into the river in large numbers. Influx of alien species, compounded by multisource pollution, has undermined native biodiversity and economic security of local fishing communities. In response, Kufos has been actively developing and deploying captive breeding protocols for native species. These scientifically planned stock enhancement programmes have been implemented across key inland waterbodies in Kerala, including Idamalayar and Peringalkuthu reservoirs and Sasthamkotta Lake.
