Maize is a globally important crop mainly utilized as feed, food and raw material for diverse industrial applications. Among cereals, it occupies third place after rice and wheat and is a staple food for a large segment of population worldwide particularly in the Asian as well as African countries. This monogram discusses various aspects of nutritional quality of maize such as quality protein maize which has been considered as most significant discovery in enhancing nutritional quality of cereals in terms of increasing the concentration of essential amino acids. The biochemistry of starch which is an important industrial product of maize has been discussed in detail. Further, the role of maize oil which is highly regarded for human consumption as it reduces the blood cholesterol concentration has also been elaborated. Naturally, maize is a rich source of carotenoids such as beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, cryptoxanthin which have highly diverse health benefits ranging from maintaining normal vision to lowering of oxidative stress. The need for biofortification of maize for provitamin A carotenoids and their role in alleviating vision impairments have also been discussed. The effect of various biotic and abiotic stresses particularly carbon dioxide and temperature on quality has been discussed thoroughly. Many value-added products as well as fermented foods that have been produced from maize which is consumed in different forms worldwide are also discussed. The aspects related to the maize application as fodder and as a source of malting have also been covered concisely. Overall, the book provides complete information about various quality aspects of maize. The various stakeholders such as maize researchers, extension specialists, students, teachers as well as farmers will be immensely benefitted from this monogram.

Learn to produce crops with improved nutrition to alleviate malnourishment--using sustainable agriculture techniques! Utilizing complete food systems to improve nutrition has become a priority in the fight against malnutrition. This book examines all aspects of food systems, drawing on examples from various countries and geographical regions. Bringing together the most recent work of international experts, Food Systems for Improved Human Nutrition provides an important overview of the food systems approach. It also explores the extent of malnourishment in different areas; presents case studies from South Asia, China, India, Bangladesh, and East Africa; points to ways to improve food production and nutrient quality; and suggests directions for future research. Helpful charts and tables make the information in this well-referenced book easy to access and understand. Food Systems for Improved Human Nutrition brings you state-of-the-art information on: the potential benefits of agroforestry systems how to fortify food with micronutrients how to design population-appropriate nutrition interventions the ways that rapid economic change can affect human nutrition in a given area biotech approaches to improve nutrition in rice and maize crops crossbred cow technologies in the East African highlands and much more!

Cereals belong to the most important elements in the history of mankind. From the beginning of agriculture, cereals have been by far the most important staple food in the world. Although the cereal consumption decreased to a low level in the developed countries in Europe and North America, in the devel oping countries over two-thirds of the calorie and protein intake is based on cereals. A substantial quantity of cereals goes indirectly into food via feed to animals. Generally, cereal proteins are classified as proteins of lower biological value because of shortage in lysine and some other essential amino acids. Recent developments in the de termination and evaluation of the biological value of proteins and protein mixtures suggest that the oversimplified earlier evaluation of cereal proteins must be reviewed. This book contains the edited proceedings of the Inter national Symposium on "Amino Acid Composition and Biological Value of Cereal Proteins", held in Budapest, Hungary, Hay 31- June 1, 1983, under the sponsorship of the International Association for Cereal Chemistry, Hungarian Scientific Society for Food Industry and Grain Trust, Hungary, with supplemental invited contributions. Scientists (biologist, plant breeders, farmers, chemists, biochemists, engineers, food technologists and nutritionists) from 17 countries presented and reviewed, along with partici pants from 20 countries, the recent methodology and trends in the determination of the biological value of cereal proteins, v the amino acid composition of cereal proteins and factors in fluencing the composition and the role of cereal proteins in nutrition and animal feeding.

The publication is broad in scope and coverage, starting with the history and nature of sorghum and millets and dealing with production, utilization and consumption. It provides extensive information on the nutritional value, chemical composition, storage and processing of these foods. In addition, the anti-nutritional factors present in these foods and ways of reducing their health hazards are discussed. The authors have described formulations of various popular foods prepared from sorghum and millets and their nutritional composition and quality, and they have compiled many recipes for the preparation of foods from regions where sorghum and millets are important dietary staples.