Page 85 - FoodFocusThailand No.207 JUNE 2023

STRATEGIC R&D

The concept of using food or 2. Dream Comes True In the past, results that couldn’t be measured or
nutritional therapy to restore balance explained might be unreliable or uncertain. However, with the knowledge,
often holds hidden answers within the technological food processing, and food analysis advancements, we have new
wisdom of various traditional components that can be tailored to meet specific requirements. Researchers,
knowledge. These practices were therefore, need to build upon existing knowledge to develop products and
tested and refined in the past based demonstrate their usability according to the predetermined values mentioned
on empirical results. For example, earlier, as well as ingredients and components sourcing considerations that allow
households would grind and consume large-scale and cost-effective production.
the leaves of the Indian Borage plant 3. Ensure Safety vs Efficacy When selecting key ingredients or raw materials,
when experiencing fever and cough. it is essential to consider their effectiveness in achieving therapeutic outcomes
Recent research has reported that and evaluate their toxicity and potential side effects. If a substance becomes toxic
the essential oils present in aromatic
plants have antiviral properties and
anti-inflammatory effects. We have
witnessed the importance of this
traditional knowledge during the
COVID-19 crisis. Many individuals
have turned to herbal and spices
remedies such as onions, kaffir lime
leaves, lemongrasses, shallots, and
galangal to make inhalants and
beverages, helping to inhibit the
spread of the virus to the lungs.
Including the use of Andrographis,
which helped reduce the number of
fatalities significantly. Thus, exploring
and validating these ancient secrets
and demonstrating their efficacy
through modern science is
provocative.
4 Future Directions in Food
Development Based on
Traditional Knowledge
1. You Need What You Are
This principle aligns with the concept
of personalized food and medicine.
Embracing this importance can foster
innovative ideas that steer away from
generic me-too products and instead
pave the way for uniqueness. This
approach allows brands to deliver
authentic and differentiated value to
consumers by addressing their
specific needs or problems
sustainably. For example, developing
plant-based foods in overseas
markets is driven by environmental
considerations. In Thailand, the idea
of being a vegetarian is rooted in the
belief in holistic health and bio-
organic consumption. Tools such as
design thinking, Ikigai, Theory U, and
other relevant concepts can aid
developers in uncovering advantages
that align with consumers’ desired
values.
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