IPB University Lecturer Introduces the Potential of Dayak Onion as an Antidiabete Functional Drink
IPB University lecturer from the Vocational School, Dr. Andi Early Febrinda, said there had been research that uncovered the potential of dayak onions as an antidiabetic functional food. Dayak onions have a shape not much different from ordinary shallots, but have a smaller bulb size, a brighter red color, and a slicker skin surface.
“Onion dayak can be formulated as an antidiabetic drink and has antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties,” said Dr Andi Early Febrinda.
She and her team transformed dayak onions into an antidiabetic functional drink called Fresh up Day. Dayak onions have long been used by the Dayak tribe as traditional medicine.
She said, the antihyperglycemic properties in it can significantly reduce blood glucose and increase HDL cholesterol levels or good cholesterol. The formulation of drinks containing dayak onions is considered to be suitable for people with diabetes mellitus. It is targeted at young adult consumers above 30 years old.
“Based on the results of biochemical tests and efficacy tests, dayak onion antidiabetic beverage products in the form of instant powder preparations, ready to drink, cinnamon and lemongrass variants are proven to have antidiabetic properties, namely controlling the blood glucose levels of IGT (Impaired Glucose Tolerant) rats with an average value of fasting blood glucose levels between 114 and 141 milligrams per deciliter,” she said in the PERGIZI PANGAN webinar themed ‘Innovation for Detection of Stunting Events and the Potential of Local Food as Functional Food’, Wednesday (23/8).
The IPB University lecturer continued, this drink is also targeted at accelerating the reduction of stunting. The prevalence of stunting in children with diabetes is high.
“Adults who are stunted in childhood tend to accumulate less lean mass and have higher subcutaneous fat and visceral fat profiles, which can further develop into a negative cardiometabolic profile,” he continued.
The drink, he said, is considered to help prevent the development of diabetes so that it is not passed on to children. The addition of ginger, lemongrass, and tamarind is also intended to mask the taste of onions and provide a more acceptable taste for consumers. (MW/ra) (IAAS/ANF)
