Author(s):
Shivani Pandey, Aditi Pathak, Smriti, Neetu Mishra
Email(s):
neetum1976@gmail.com
Address:
Department of Family and Community Sciences, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211002, U.P., India
Published In:
Volume - 6,
Issue - 2,
Year - 2026
DOI:
10.55878/SES2026-6-2-2 
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ABSTRACT:
Postpartum maternal nutrition plays an important role for both mother and child that is characterized by increased nutritional demands. Mahua flowers (Madhuca longifolia) are natural galactagogue that are rich in reducing sugar, minerals and vitamins, while Ragi millet (Eleusine coracana) is a good source of calcium, iron, and dietary fibre. The present study aimed to develop Mahua-Ragi Nutri-Balls, a nutrient rich functional food formulated using mahua flowers and ragi millet. Three treatments namely, T1, T2, & T3 and a control were formulated by incorporating different proportions of mahua flower and ragi millet flour. Sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale showed highest overall acceptability for the T3 treatment. Nutritional analysis showed that the product was rich source of calcium (116.53 mg/100g), iron (5.696 mg/100g), carbohydrates (46.736 g/100g), protein (8.774 g/100g), fat (16.46 g/100g) and dietary fibre (13.12 g/100g), making a significant contribution to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for lactating women. Shelf-life and microbial analysis showed product safety within acceptable limits with good sensory acceptability for 21 days. DPPH, ABTS and TPC, demonstrated a significant antioxidant activity in the treatment T3. These findings suggest that Mahua-Ragi Nutri-balls can be a potential dietary supplement for postpartum women, enhancing their overall health and nutrition.
Cite this article:
Shivani Pandey, Aditi Pathak, Smriti, Neetu Mishra, Development of Nutri-balls incorporating Mahua-Ragi for the Improvement of Postpartum Maternal Health, Spectrum of Emerging Sciences, 6 (1)1-9, DOI: https://doi.org/10.55878/SES2026-6-2-2
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