Page 86 - FoodFocusThailand No.207 JUNE 2023

STRATEGIC R&D

major food groups. This makes it suitable
for patients with decreased appetite due
to diseases or swallowing difficulties.
Matupayas rice is thus selected to serve
as a prototype for the three guiding
principles.
1. “Less (serving) is more nutrients-
calories” aims to provide patients with
higher energy despite consuming smaller
quantities. Plant-based proteins are used
as alternatives to cow’s milk, as cow’s
milk can trigger phlegm and body
inflammation.
2. Smoothening the texture with
suitable technology is indicated by
texture analysis and sensorially selected
by medical professionals specialized in
swallowing rehabilitation. At the same
time, flavor boosters are used to enhance
taste, stimulate saliva, and increase
appetite.
3. A ready-to-consume product
that can be stored at room temperature
when used in quantities below the threshold that provides for an extended period. Currently, this research is being
health benefits, it can be concluded that it is unsuitable for registered as a food product and tested clinically to validate
2
development as a food product. its effectiveness among the target group .
4. Meet Related Food Laws & Regulations Food laws In addition, rice, which is Thailand’s main staple,
and regulations are primarily based on ensuring safety, combined with the knowledge of Rejuvenating Concoction
protecting consumers, and providing guidelines for suitable (RC) and rice bran water, enriched with a variety of vitamins,
production practices. Fundamentally, the food industry is are traditionally used to nourish the nervous system and
governed by laws and regulations prioritizing good hygienic brain of newborns, presents an intriguing opportunity for
production to ensure safety in production facilities and the products development that support the revitalization of the
manufacturing process. For food products, some laws govern nervous system and brain for target groups such as the
both vertical and horizontal aspects of all product types, general elderly population or individuals seeking health
including food and nutritional labeling regulations. For instance, maintenance. These products could be introduced in the
in developing a low-sodium fermented fish sauce, the form of powdered beverages or rice tea.
manufacturer should adhere to the minimum salt content When developing any healthy food, the timeless words
specified by law, which is 12% salt. Furthermore, any claims of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, still hold true:
related to disease treatment are strictly prohibited. However, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
mentioning the ingredients’ role in supporting bodily functions, Finally, I would like to support and encourage Thai
such as calcium’s contribution to bone and dental health, is researchers and developers in their quest to uncover the
acceptable. Additionally, it is permissible to make claims about wisdom of traditional Thai and Eastern food science. This
risk mitigation for certain diseases, such as component (A) endeavor aims to transform this knowledge into innovative
can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, a risk factor for food products and components that offer nutritional value
heart and vascular diseases. and benefit consumers in various aspects. In addition to
reducing reliance on imported technologies, it also contributes
From Ancient Wisdom to Contemporary to the well-being of people domestically and internationally.
Healthcare
We can find examples of revitalizing ancient knowledge with
modern science. One such example is Matupayas rice, a
research-backed food believed to contribute to the restoration More Information Service Info C012
of the Buddha’s health prior to attaining enlightenment. Today,
it serves as a nourishing option for patients with swallowing เอกสารอ้างอิง / References
difficulties. Matupayas rice is a dish prepared by boiling a 1 https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9801/2/2/6
variety of rice with milk and honey. Its diverse ingredients 2 https://th.kku.ac.th/139530/?fbclid=IwAR1-moX1NMPNuw1
provide essential nutritional components covering the five QCcKcZUr-mBpra290iaWBfaR2iyrO1KJOlun210tPAJk

86 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND JUN 2023

20/5/2566 BE 11:07
82-86_Strategic R&D_���������.indd 86 20/5/2566 BE 11:07
82-86_Strategic R&D_���������.indd 86