TIRUPATI: Sprouted lentils are not only a rich source of vitamin and minerals, but also help manage weight, control diabetes, ensure optimal brain function, relax cardiovascular muscles, lower blood pressure, ensure proper digestion, boost metabolism and even prevent cell and gene damage.
The interactive travelling exhibition on ‘The future of the food: Pulses’ at the Regional Science Centre (RSC) here has all such vital information and is attracting a steady flow of students.
The expo was designed by the Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai, as part of the International Year of Pulses 2016. The impressive galleries dwell on the topic of how nutritious seed ensures a sustainable future and on how pulses act as nutrition supplement for humans as well as nitrogen fixer in soil. The time-line showing the history of pulse production traces its evolution over centuries.
Balanced diet
“Micro-nutrient deficiency, identified as hidden hunger, is rampant in developing countries and hence the need to take a balanced diet. The expo throws light on these aspects”, said retired agricultural scientist V. Rajagopal after visiting the expo.
“The role of antioxidants in cleansing the body of the free radicals is explained well,” opined Sri Padmavathi Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam (SPMVV) Registrar D.M. Mamatha. Recalling his stint at Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield in the world, NCC Tirupati group commander Colonel K.V. Vithal informed the students on how they survived on a rich diet of pulses.
During their interaction with students, SV University virology professor D.V.R. Saigopal and Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) senior scientist L. Prashanti opined that farmers should be encouraged to grow more pulses and make the society nutritious.
RSC Project Coordinator R. Manigandan announced that the expo would be open throughout the month from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (including Sundays).
