High Energy Foods

Review with Food Technological Perspective

Abstract

Energy foods have gained a special interest all around the globe due to enhanced consumer awareness about activity-based calorie requirements. Energy-specific foods can be prepared in the form of bars/ fluids by using a combination of various types of ingredients such as cereals, pulses, nuts, and seeds. Energy foods provide concentrated calories specifically required for athletes and military personnel, those involved in high-endurance physical activities. The latter group was deployed in challenging terrains associated with harsh climatic conditions (high altitudes, hot and cold environments). In addition to the harsh climate, the situation worsens with limited accessibility and availability of regular food. Therefore, food and fluid intake will be considerably less, which ultimately disturbs the energy metabolism and health of an individual. The research poses challenges in the development of energy foods for specialised requirements and incorporating the highest energy in the lowest volume of foods. This is because of raw material selections, economics, product palatability and stability (shelf life) in adverse conditions. The high energy content, volume, and stability are suitable factors for using certain products as survival or emergency rations. Indeed, there was a necessity to understand the fate of energy metabolism and its medical implications in different harsh climatic conditions. The present review is a brief discussion about the influence of a challenging environment on nutritional and energy requirements and the significance of different energy foods.