UTILIZATION OF Moringa oleifera LEAVES TO FORTIFY RICE: EFFECT ON RDA OF ADULT AND PREGNANT WOMEN

The present study aims to utilize the staple food of over half of the world population, that is rice, which is a brilliant source of energy and good for Celiac, and fortify it with Moringa oleifera leaf caries potential to enhance and improve overall nutrient availability. Products like Ready- to- Cook (RTC) Idli and Dhokla mix were fortified with 5 and 10 % moringa leaf powder were analyzed. The proximate and nutrient composition like moisture content, ash, fibre, protein, fat and carbohydrate of rice, moringa leaf powder and fortified mixes were analyzed. The micronutrients like calcium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin C were analyzed and compared with RDA of adult and pregnant women as per % Daily Value (DV). The elevation of % DV by1.5% and 3% in calcium, 2.5% and 3% in potassium, 5.2% and 10.4% in vitamin C and 4.2% and 9.5% (adult), 2.9% and 6.6% (pregnant women) with respect to standard sample was observed respectively with elevation of 5% and 10% fortification moringa leaf powder. To understand the storage life and suitable packaging material, products were packed in different packaging materials like Glass, Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), aluminum laminated Polyethylene and storage life was analyzed for the period of 60 days. Parameters like weight, moisture content, water absorption capacity and overall acceptability were taken into consideration.