Awareness of Antioxidants among the General Population and Recipe Development

Abstract

With growing awareness and concern for health amongst the population antioxidants have recently gained popularity. A review of the available research literature indicates that antioxidants, from either plant sources or synthetic, are beneficial for health when consumed in acceptable amounts. Therefore many foods, beverages, and skin care products now claim to have the benefits of antioxidants in them influencing the population to purchase them. However, this purchase can be wasteful or even harmful if done with ignorance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness of antioxidants among the general population and for this; a survey through a questionnaire method was done. The study aimed at figuring out the interests and views of the general population of varying age groups concerning antioxidants. The survey revealed that the majority of the population has heard of Antioxidants at least once in their life and most have a basic idea about antioxidants. Also, there are a few who might use antioxidant products, but still are not confirmed about its benefits, and some believe Antioxidants to be a hoax. But even though the general population is aware of Antioxidants more information is needed to be spread throughout the population about the benefits and sources of antioxidants. Also, healthy, palatable, antioxidant-rich quick snacks like varieties of chikkies, almond peanut chikki, dates sorghum chikki, chocolatelike apple mint chocolate, hazelnut raisin chocolate, walnut raisins chocolate, juices like Amla Spinach juice, golden fruit juice, mango strawberry shake, ginger cumin tea, mouthfresheners, etc. were developed for the convenience of the population with appropriate but controlled amounts of antioxidants.