Functional foods and Smart Proteins: Innovations shaping Sustainable Nutrition
The BioE3 policy stands for Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment and has six important areas of research for advancement in biotechnological innovations and reduction of harmful environmental footprints. The BioE3 policy aims to encourage innovations which address food security, emphasizes on global healthcare systems and promote sustainability practices. Functional foods and smart proteins are special areas of focus under this policy and play a significant role in creating a sustainable and eco- friendly global economy.
Functional foods aim to exploit biotechnology to develop foods that are nutritionally balanced and target specific health needs. Functional foods help to combat with malnutrition and lifestyle related diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and public healthcare costs. The ever – increasing global population needs these biotechnological products to improve their diet , nutrition and health.
Smart proteins are alternative protein sources which are nutritionally efficient and cause a reduction in traditional farming practices which requires huge amount of resources, water use and contribute towards greenhouse emissions as a result of deforestation. Smart proteins lowers the environmental footprint of intensive farming practices. In countries like India, where there is a high demand for protein-rich foods , smart proteins prove to be the best solutions as they create efficient and sustainable protein sources which ensures that the future generations have access to high quality proteins without over- dependence on non eco – friendly practices.
The BioE3 policy encourages the bio – manufacturing of functional foods and smart proteins by promoting the establishment of bio – manufacturing hubs, which are capable of providing enormous growth and employment opportunities. Bio – manufacturing hubs can
Hanshika
University/College name : Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi