Students looking for a healthier alternative to greasy hamburgers and deep-fried catfish may not have to look as far as they think.
Subramaniam Sathivel, associate professor of food engineering, along with other AgCenter researchers, is experimenting with adding healthier components to popular food items like hamburgers, catfish and shrimp.
Sathivel said most seafood in Louisiana lacks a strong source of Omega-3 edible oils, so he is researching ways to increase the health benefits of food.
“If you look at the American diet, most of them are eating high-fat foods,” Sathivel said.
He said the oil, a powder that can be mixed into a catfish patty, can also be added to other popular food items like bread and pizza. Sathivel said the oil is capsulated, which masks the fishy taste and ensures the oil will last longer.
University dietitian Vanessa Richard said any time an unhealthy food can be made healthier by adding fiber or other nutrients, it’s always a good thing.
“It’s convenient for the individual, but it’s providing health benefits,” Richard said.
Sathivel freezes catfish patties with the Omega power inside, and his ultimate goal is to sell them in local supermarkets.
Sathivel is also working on extracting protein from the shells of crawfish and shrimp and creating a powder with the protein that can be used in soups or other dishes. He said seafood loses much of its protein when it’s boiled.
All of the food that Sathivel works with keeps its flavor.
“If you have healthy food, and it doesn’t taste good, then people won’t eat it,” Sathivel said.
Sathivel’s research also provides his students with hands-on experience similar to the industrial process of working with food.
Huaixia Yu, a former Ph.D. student for Sathivel, recently found employment at the Omega Pure Co. in Houston, Texas, one of the largest fish oil and fish protein industries in the world, according to Sathivel.
Communication studies junior Kara Coe said because of the limited supply of food, students need to eat what’s available to them. She said if unhealthy foods are made healthier, it’s an added bonus.
“If someone’s going to give me a McDonald’s hamburger and tell me it has 15 calories, of course I’m going to eat it,” Coe said.
Emily Cefalu, psychology senior, said she already takes Omega-3 pills for her health, but she hates the fishy taste of the pills. She said if local cuisine can be made healthier and include these natural nutrients, she’d be happy to give up her Omega-3 pills.
“It’s a convenience factor,” she said.
Lucas Johnson, civil engineering junior, said that fried catfish will always be unhealthy. He said the best way to have a healthy lifestyle is to keep a good balance.
“You can eat catfish,” Johnson said. “Just have a 15-minute jog after.”
 
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Contact Kevin Thibodeaux at [email protected]