By Dallen Namugga
In the hope of advancing dietary health, Priva Namanya Bwesigye, a principal research officer with the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), has introduced resistant starch derived from green bananas.
This innovation is part of NARO’s Feed the Future research programme, aimed at value addition and commercialisation of banana commodities.
The starch was showcased during an exhibition at a two-day NARO workshop in Kawanda, Wakiso district recently.
“The resistant starch is one of the products generated from this programme. Resistant starch is a form of dietary fibre which plays a crucial role in promoting gut health by aiding digestion,” Namanya said, highlighting its importance in value addition and commercialisation.
She said the resistant starch is essentially dietary fibre that is not easily digested, making it beneficial for the useful bacteria in our intestines.
“When the banana is cooked, the resistant starch breaks down,” Namanya explained.
She added that this powder can be added to various foods and drinks at low temperatures, as it should not be subjected to heat.
Namanya said the product helps manage non-communicable diseases like diabetes and gut cancer by preparing the gut to absorb sugars more slowly.
“It reduces the craving for carbohydrates and sugar,” Namanya said, adding that it also aids in weight management because it slows unnecessary food cravings.
She noted how the extraction process involves enzymes and ensures the product remains a natural fibre, free from modification.
The resistant starch is presented as a food supplement, not medicine, and is expected to be available to the public by the end of the year. In terms of shelf life, Namanya said the banana starch can last two years when well-stored.
“Because it’s a natural product, it has no additives, ideally it does not expire when it is packed,” she said.
“The development process was also extensive, involving market assessments and engagements with various stakeholders, including the trade ministry, science, technology and innovation ministry and the one for agriculture, as well as the private sector,” she said.
“We needed to have information to give us the basis for working on resistant starch,” Namanya noted, emphasising the importance of thorough market intelligence.
Green banana starch is set to revolutionise gut health with its natural, probiotic benefits.
As market testing concludes and the product enters the commercial phase, consumers can look forward to a new, natural supplement that supports a healthier digestive system.
Passed by UNBS
Having passed the quality checks by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, the product is ready for market testing.
Namanya said they are engaging a communication company for market intelligence, indicating that market testing is already underway.
This testing, which started recently, aims to raise awareness about the product and its benefits.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Namanya displaying the products. She said the product helps manage non-communicable diseases. Photo by Dallen Namugga
