After the successful launch of the squash, carrot, and yellow camote (sweet potato) variants of the enhanced nutribun, the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) introduces two new versions of the nutrient-packed bread, and they come in even more vibrant colors. On Feb. 16, Wednesday, the department officially unveiled its newest bake creations, the orange and purple nutribuns, made with orange and purple sweet potato.
“Sweet potato is one of the well-known and specially cultivated crops in the Philippines. Earlier studies have cited its promising nutritional quality, mainly its antioxidant properties,” DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said. “These new variants are also nutrient-dense bread products supplemented with orange or purple sweet potato to improve their nutritional value. Like their predecessors, these products are ideally formulated and intended for children aged seven to nine years old, but can also be enjoyed by the whole family.”
According to Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, director of the DOST-FNRI, one serving of the orange enhanced nutribun contains 502 kilocalories, 17 grams of protein, six milligrams of iron, 401 micrograms of vitamin A. The purple variant, on the other hand, has 500 kilocalories, six milligrams 17.5 grams of protein, 384 micrograms of vitamin A. The director also notes that the 165-gram bread can last up to six days at room temperature.
“In nutrition, if a product or food is colored orange, it indicates carotenoids. Meaning to say, if it is carotenoids, it symbolizes antioxidants... When we say purple, it indicates anthocyanins... another antioxidant that help boost the immune system, which also has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties,” the director added.
Apart from it helping solve the nation's issue of malnutrition, the enriched nutribuns also provide additional income to farmers, business opportunities to SMEs, more jobs for Filipinos, and quick meal response during times of calamity.
To know more, watch the virtual launch of the new variants of enriched nutribuns here.
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