UAE- Try space food in Arabic style to fight obesity

Date

3/15/2016 3:35:20 AM

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Space food with an Arabic twist could help cut down obesity in the UAE since it is light nutritious and well balanced according to Dubai-based professor.

With more than 60 per cent of UAE residents considered to be overweight Dr Franziska Apprich Assistant Professor in the School of Media and Communication Studies at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) believes that the food products manufactured especially for astronauts during their space missions could help tackle the growing global obesity crisis.

"Food for astronauts is nutritious easily digestible has less wastage and is fast to prepare and can be stored for a long time too" she said. Space food she said is already being consumed by people in the US. Dr Apprich said: "Such food can be easily manufactured here and also packed with Arabic flavours so that it can apply to the local taste."

"Nasa has developed algae based oils that are very nutritious for children and help in developing their body and brains" she said.

"It will be a good idea to pack children's lunch boxes with this food." According to Dr Apprich space food has a long shelf life too.

Since astronauts cannot exercise in space they have to rely on healthy food to stay fit.

"Algae-based products lean and dried meats are convenient to eat and healthy too especially for a population such as in the UAE that is obese" she said.

Dr Apprich was one of five entrepreneurs shortlisted to pitch her idea to a panel of experts at the Innovation Hub during the recent Gulfood Conference 2016.

As former Dean of the School of Environment and Health Sciences at CUD one of the leading Schools in the region Dr Apprich developed an interest in food storage and preservation as well as nutrition when she supported the accreditation process for the University's Associate Degree in Food Safety developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Dubai Municipality.

Asma Ali Zain Associated with KT for 15 years. Covers health issues Pakistan community human interest stories as well as general topics for daily news or features.

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