4. DESCRIPTION;

Technical Field of the invention;

[1] The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a protein rich nutraceutical composition. More particularly, the invention pertains to a powdered beverage composition fortified with high amounts of protein derived from soy and milk proteins sweetened with a non- carbohydrate potent sweetener.

Back ground of the invention:

[2] Currently, an emphasis exists on the restriction of carbohydrate in the human diet as ah aid to weight reduction. Restriction of carbohydrates in foods also may be recommended for people with medical conditions such as diabetes and inherited disorders of carbohydrate metabolism. Low carbohydrate diets cause the body to burn fat and muscle tissue to obtain needed energy because there are no carbohydrates to supply the energy. To prevent losses of muscle tissue a dieter should consume greater amounts of protein, since protein supplies energy and builds and repairs muscle tissue.

[3] A variety of food products and powdered mixes are presently available which contains both fats and sugars. The fat and sugar in products can provide significant number of calories. When diabetics intake high calorie food that would result increase in blood glucose level. A variety of food powdered drinks are available worldwide which characterized by a smooth mouth feel and are ideally of high solubility in water or milk. Many of the food powdered drinks available in the market contain higher amounts of carbohydrates and less amounts of fats and proteins. Despite a low fat content, the significant amounts of carbohydrate in the available products contribute to high calorie intake. Typical food powdered drinks compose of carbohydrates like malted barley, malt extracts , wheat flour, lactose, maltodextrins, sucrose and dextrose and other cereal grain derived sugars, glucose syrup, milk solids and other ingredients that can add more calories in a single serve. More often, protein beverage compositions compose a variety of meat infusions and extracts as a protein source. While these powdered drinks replenish good amounts of proteins, they frequently have off odors. These high protein food powdered drink compositions are blended with different flavoring agents and artificial sweeteners to ward off the unpleasant flavors.

[4] Artificial sweeteners are well known in the art and are widely used in the place of sugar in low calorie compositions. Low-calorie or no, calorie sweeteners are used for weight control in cases of obesity, or for medical reasons, and for restriction of the intake of carbohydrate for diabetics in order to reduce their intake of sucrose, glucose etc.

[5] Despite the availability of protein rich beverage foods comprising artificial sweeteners, the nature of the sweetener plays an important role in palatability of the beverage food drinks. The best known artificial sweeteners/non-nutritive sweeteners are aspartame, acesulfame potassium, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, stevia, sorbital and sucralose. Non-nutritive sweeteners are heat stable and non-toxic. Saccharin and acesulfame-K leaves somewhat bitter aftertaste in the mouth and the cyclamates are now excluded from commercial food products as hazardous to human health. A sweetener like aspartame which shows exceedingly slow solubility, methyl ester of L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine (APM) with less flowability pose certain limitations in preparing beverage powders. And many factors like their stability, shelf life and moisture content determine the quality and flavor of the finished product.

[6] Sucralose is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener approved by the USFDA. Sucralose is a water soluble that is about 600 times sweeter than sugar and found to be non-carcinogenic and safe for consumption by diabetics, obese and the health conscious people. It does not leave a bitter aftertaste as saccharin and acesulfame-K does. Taste, stability, and safety and the shelf life of sucralose make sucralose a sweetener of the choice for a wide range of foods, healthcare products and pharmaceutical preparations.

[7] Neotame is a zero calorie artificial sweetener that is about 8000 times sweeter than sugar. Neotame is rapidly metabolized and completely eliminated and does not accumulate in the body. Neotame is moderately heat stable and extremely potent, approved by the USFDA. Neotame and sucralose are the only two artificial sweeteners ranked as "safe" by the consumer advocacy group Centre for Science.

[8] A powdered beverage composed of whole protein not derived from meat or the products there from, a zero calorie sweetening agent, a plant derived thickening agent, and other nutrients to supplement the diabetics, the obese, patients suffering from degenerative disorders and the health conscious people is needed, more particularly to supplement a significant population who prefer pure vegetarian food drinks. Hence, it is desirable to prepare an ideal beverage composition suitable for reconstitution to readily form a food drink with specified components.

[9] In order to solve some nutritional imbalances which are not solved by many of the existing beverage compositions, the present invention provides a protein rich powdered beverage composition and a method of preparation hitherto.

Brief Summary of the invention
[10] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a protein rich powdered beverage that can be reconstituted to provide a palatable drink, and a method of preparation of the protein rich powdered beverage. Yet, another important objective of the invention is to cater different nutritional needs of people undergoing weight management program, the obese, the diabetics, hypertension and patients suffering from a variety metabolic disorders.

[11] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method of preparing a protein rich powdered beverage is disclosed.

[12] According to the first aspect, the method of preparing the protein rich powdered beverage comprises the steps of: blending a soy protein isolate in an amount of about 50% to 90% by weight of a powdered beverage with a milk protein isolate in an amount of about 10% to 50% by weight of the powdered beverage, adding soy isoflavones in an amount of about 5% to 10% by weight of the beverage, composition to an admixture of soy protein isolate and milk protein isolate under predefined temperature conditions in a blender.

[13] According to the first aspect, method of preparing the protein rich powdered beverage comprises incorporating at least one potent sweetener sucralose in an amount of 167 mg per 100 grams of the beverage composition, adding a natural thickening agent in a predetermined amount and adding at least one natural fruit concentrate in a predefined amount to an admixture of the soy protein isolate, the milk protein isolate and the soy isoflavones under predefined temperature conditions in the blender.

[14] According to the first aspect of the present invention, an admixture of soy protein isolate, milk protein isolate, soy isoflavones, the potent sweetener, the natural thickening agent and the natural fruit concentrate is milled to obtain a homogenized powdered beverage composition, and the homogenized powdered beverage composition is dried below 50 degree Celsius under vacuum. The dried powdered beverage composition is subjected to granular filtration to obtain a contamination free, protein rich powdered beverage with a moisture content of not more than 5%..
[15] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the soy protein isolate comprises a hydrolysate of soy protein obtained from defatted soy material, whereas the milk protein extract comprises defatted milk protein.
[16] According to the first aspect, neotame is added in an amount of 12.5 mg per 100 grams of the powdered beverage composition in an alternate embodiment of the invention. The at least one potent sweetener includes one of a sweetener like sucralose, neotame, aspartame, sodium saccharin, sorbital, acesulfame K, and stevia or a combination of more than one sweetening agent. In an exemplary case, the sweetener is sucralose in a predefined amount or it is combination of sucralose and one or more sweeteners.
[17] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the natural thickening agent is Citri- Fiber infused with guar gum. The natural fruit concentrate includes predefined amount of a spray dried powder of mango, orange, pineapple and apple to enhance the taste and natural flavor and the like.
[18] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the powdered beverage can readily be reconstituted in water or milk to make a highly palatable and delicious drink for the obese.
diabetics, people under weight management programs, hypertension and patients suffering from different metabolic disorders.
[19] Many other objects and advantages of the invention will be understood from reading the following detailed description.
Detailed Description of the Invention;
The following description discloses several methods and materials of the present invention. This invention is susceptible to modifications in the methods and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methods and equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this disclosure or practice of the invention disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that this invention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but that it cover all modifications and alternatives coming within the true scope and spirit of the invention as embodied in the attached claims.
[21] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a method of preparing a protein rich powdered beverage that can readily be reconstituted to provide a palatable drink for the obese and the like. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a highly protein rich food drink recommended for weight management, and for a variety of health benefits as described in the invention.
[22] According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the method of preparing a protein rich powdered beverage comprises the following steps:
[23] In the first step of a preferred embodiment towards achieving the invention, a soy protein isolate in an amount of about 50% up to 90% by weight of the powdered beverage composition is blended with milk protein isolate in an amount of about 10% up to 50% by weight of the powdered beverage composition in high speed blenders at temperatures ranging between 20 to 22 degree Celsius. According to an exemplary aspect, the granular soy protein isolate is a hydrolysate of soy protein available in a granular form that makes the bulk of the powdered beverage.
[24] The soy protein isolate can be obtained by methods which can be understood by a person skilled in the art. The hydrolysate of soy protein can be obtained by hydrolyzing aqueous slurry of defatted soy flour containing a specific quantity of solid content using proteolytic enzyme under predefined pH and temperature conditions, at a certain degree of hydrolysis (DH) while stirring the mass for a stipulated time. The enzyme is inactivated by a known method and the pH value of the slurry is neutralized. The soy solids are separated and the clarified liquor so obtained is subjected to drying under specified conditions to get the soy protein isolate.
[25] According to an exemplary aspect, the milk protein isolate from defatted milk. The milk protein powder is used in the preferred composition of the present invention. Milk protein is a mixture of globular proteins isolated from milk, wherein the liquid material is created as a by¬product of cheese production. Milk protein is separated from the remaining liquid milk using a specialty filter. The concentrated liquid is then further concentrated to get pure milk protein. It is then spray dried to be used as a bulking agent for the preparation of powdered beverage.
[26] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary aspect of the present invention, soy isofiavones in an amount of about 5% up to 10% by weight are added to an admixture of soy protein and milk protein extract in high speed blenders under the predefined conditions. To the admixture thus obtained, a potent sweetener like sucralose is added in an amount of 167 mg per 100 grams of the powdered beverage composition in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[27] Artificial sweetener like sucralose is incorporated in to the beverage composition by one of a conventional method that enables uniform distribution of the sweetener molecules in the beverage composition. Application of 12.5 mg neotame per 100 grams of the powdered beverage composition is equally exemplified in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Yet, in another embodiment of the invention, both sucralose and neotame are incorporated in predefined amounts to the powdered beverage composition.
[28] In an exemplary composition with in the scope of the present invention, the powdered beverage is sweetened by at least one of an artificial sweetener including neotame, aspartame, sodium saccharin, sorbital, acesulfame K, and stevia. Any one of the sweetener can be used in a different quantity as an alternative to sucralose. The sweetening agents can also be used as a combination of more than one agent in a predetermined ratio in different compositions of the powdered beverage.
[29] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the powdered beverage is sweetened by sucralose in amounts of 167 mg per 100 grams of the powdered beverage composition, although a combination of sucralose with any other sweetener in a specified ratio can "not be excluded from the scope of the present invention. And such a combination of sucralose with other sweetener varies with different powdered beverage compositions for at least one particular application that is anticipated. In an alternate embodiment of the invention 12.5 mg neotame is incorporated in the powdered beverage composition. Yet, in one exemplary composition, both sucralose and neotame are incorporated in amounts of 83.5 mg and 6.25 mg respectively.
In accordance with a non limiting exemplary aspect of the present invention, a natural thickening agent is added in an amount not more than 250 mg per 100 grams of the beverage composition to an admixture of soy protein isolate, milk protein isolate, soy isoflavones and sucralose. Citri-Fiber is a natural fiber derived from citus pulp acts a thickening agent and also for providing body. Because of its pseudoplastic rheology, Citri-Fiber is very effective as a suspending agent.
[31] To the admixture obtained there from, a natural fruit concentrate in an amount of not more than 5 % is added at temperatures ranging from 20 to 22 degree Celsius in the high speed blender at a predetermined speed.
[32] The natural fruit concentrate includes about 2-5 % of at least one or more of a spray dried powder of mango, orange, pineapple and apple flavors and the like. These concentrated fruit powder add the original aroma of a variety of fruits to the beverage powder. Application of any natural flavor derived from plants, herbs and the like are not excluded from the spirit of the present form of the invention. The addition of a predefined amount of natural fruit concentrate to the powdered beverage is accomplished through a conventional method. The fruit powdered beverage composition is subjected to milling subsequently.
[33] According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, milling of the flavored beverage powder is done by conventional methods to accomplish size reduction of the food granules to a specified size. The milling of powdered beverage can be done in a fine-grinding impact mill approved for food product processing following the CGMP regulations.
[34] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary aspect of the present invention, the finely ground, homogenized powdered beverage composition is dried below 50 degree Celsius under vacuum. Drying the homogenized powdered beverage can be achieved by spray drying to obtain dried powdered beverage, in which hot air is passed through the homogenized powdered beverage. Passing of hot air under vacuum facilitates the mass transfer of the powdered beverage. Removing the residual vapors results in reducing the bulk of the powdered beverage.
[35] According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the dried powdered beverage composition is subjected to granular filtration to obtain a contamination free powdered beverage composition with a moisture content of not more than 5%. Granular filtration is accomplished following one of a conventional method, and can be understood by a person skilled in the art. Granular filtration of the dried powdered beverage composition supplies a finished powdered beverage free from any particulate contamination. Performing the entire process of making powdered beverage following the CGMP regulations enables supplying a contamination free product, devoid of biological and chemical impurities. Since the powdered beverage composition is not subjected to direct heating, nutritive ingredients like the isoflavones and heat sensitive proteins are not affected by the process.
[36] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary aspect of the present invention, the protein rich powdered beverage serves as a neutraceutical composition recommended for weight management, diabetes, obesity, infant and adult nutrition, wound healing, hypertension and an array of metabolic and degenerative disorders. The high protein content contributed by soy protein and milk protein is a rich source of branched chain amino acids which are metabolized directly into muscle tissue and are the first ones used during periods of exercise and resistance training, and is an excellent source of the essential amino acid, leucine which promotes muscle protein synthesis and muscle growth. So, the powdered beverage is highly recommended for athletes and people under going weight management programs. It is an ideal neutraceutical for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
[0G37] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protein rich powdered beverage activates the immune system by increasing the levels of glutathione in the body. Glutathione, derived from soy and milk protein is an anti-oxidant required for a healthy immune system. The powdered beverage provides a cost-effective solution for weight related complications, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Soy and milk Protein isolates supply pure protein with little to no fat and carbohydrates. Hence the product is a perfect complement to any low carbohydrate or low glycemic index diet plan.
[38] The beverage also helps to stabilize blood glucose levels by slowing the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. This in turn reduces hunger by lowering insulin levels and making it easier for the body to burn fat. An essential amino acid, cysteine provided through whey protein component of the product imparts an extra boost to the immune system by raising glutathione levels. This may help reduce the risk of infection and improve the responsiveness of the immune system. The beverage is a good nutritional choice for cancer patients, infants and the aging people.
[39] The addition of sucralose or neotame makes the powdered beverage an ideal food for afore mentioned target consumers, more particularly for the obese, the diabetics, hypertension and for weight management. Sucralose or neotame, due to their no calorific nature are suggested as a no carbohydrate sugar.
[40] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary aspect of the present invention, the protein rich powdered beverage provides sufficient calcium that compensates the calcium loss in bones and increase the bone weight and mineral levels. The soy protein provided by the beverage reduces the risk of heart disease. The beverage supplements essential amino acids for building the damaged tissues and initiates the growth of new skin during the healing process. Hence, it is an ideal drink for a quick wound healing. The beverage is a good neutraceutical for cancer patients because it boosts the tissue repair.
Addition of soy isoflavones makes the beverage more beneficial because the isoflavones are phytochemicals rendering protection against breast cancer, prostate cancer, menopausal sym'ptoms, heart disease and osteoporosis. Soy contains many types of isoflavones, but the most beneficial are genistein and daidzein. Isoflavones also have been shovvn to help prevent the buildup of arterial plaque, which reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Many other benefits rendered by the ingredients of the powdered beverage can be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art.
[42] According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the dried powdered beverage composition can be used as a bulking agent in the preparation of a variety of nutritious snack food items, including but not limited to biscuits, chocolates, ice creams, deserts, yogurts and the like. An exemplary composition of the powdered beverage can be processed following a conventional method to prepare afore mentioned snack items that are frequently preferred by children. Since these snack items are fortified with high amounts of proteins and flavonoids, malnutrition problems can be effectively addressed in children. Incorporation of artificial sweeteners and exclusion of carbohydrates reduces the risk of obesity and related disorders. Addition of fruit and other natural flavors to the composition that makes the snack items renders them delicious and attracts the child consumers who otherwise do not prefer nutritious foods lacking attractive flavors.
[43] Following examples are given by way of illustrations of the present invention and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.
[44] Example 1: A 100 gram of powdered beverage composition comprises; Soy protein isolate 55 gm.
Milk protein isolate 25 gm, Maltodextrin 14 gm. Soy isoflavones 4 gm, Sucralose 167 mg.
Citri-Fiber 250mg, and
Orange fruit concentrate 2 gm.
To an admixture of predefined amounts of soy protein isolate and milk protein, maltodextrins 14 gm,'soy isoflavones 4 gm, sucralose 167 mg, Citri-Fiber 250 mg and orange fruit concentrate 2 gm were added at a definite speed and 22 degree Celsius in a high speed blender. The powdered beverage composition is milled, dried under vacuum and finally filtered following the standard specifications to obtain the protein rich powdered beverage.
[45] Example 2: A 100 gram of powdered beverage composition comprises; Soy protein isolate 50 gm,
Milk protein 22 gm,
Malt of barley 20 gm.
Soy isoflavones 4 gm,
neotame 12.5 mg,
Citri-Fiber 250mg, and
Mango fruit concentrate 4 gm.
To an admixture of 50 gm of soy protein isolate and 22 gm milk protein, Malt of barley 20 gm, soy isoflavones 4 gm, neotame 12.5 mg, Citri-Fiber 250 mg and mango fruit concentrate 4 gm were added at a definite speed and 20 degree Celsius in a high speed blender. The powdered beverage composition is milled, dried under vacuum and finally filtered following the standard specifications to obtain the protein rich powdered beverage.
[46] Example 3: A 100 gram of powdered beverage composition comprises; Soy protein isolate 60 gm,
Milk protein 21 gm.
Malt of Com extract 10 gm.
Soy isoflavones 5 gm,
Sucralose 83.5 mg,
Neotame 6.25 mg,
. Citri-Fiber 250mg, and
Apple fruit concentrate 4 gm.
To an admixture of 60 gm of soy protein isolate and 21 gm milk protein. Malt of com extract 10 gm, soy isoflavones 5 gm, Sucralose 83.5 mg, neotame 6.25 mg, Citri-Fiber 250 mg and apple fruit concentrate 4 gm were added following the above defined methods and conditions in a high speed blender. The powdered beverage composition is milled, dried under vacuum and finally filtered following the standard specifications to obtain the protein rich powdered beverage.

5. CLAIMS

What is claimed is:
1. A method of preparing a protein rich powdered beverage, comprising:
blending a soy protein isolate in an amount of at least 50% up to 90% by weight
of a powdered beverage composition with a milk protein isolate in an amount of at least 10% up to 50% by weight of the powdered beverage composition, whereby the blending forms an admixture of the soy protein isolate and the milk protein isolate;
adding soy isoflavones in an amount of at least 5% up to 10% by weight of the powdered beverage composition to the admixture of the soy protein isolate and the milk protein isolate under a predefined temperature in a blender;
incorporating a predetermined amount of at least one potent sweetener;
adding a predetermined amount of natural thickening agent and at least one 15 natural fruit concentrate at least 2% up to 5% by weight of the powdered beverage composition a predetermined temperature in the blender;
milling the powdered beverage composition to obtain a homogenized powdered beverage composition;
drying the homogenized powdered beverage composition at a predefined 20 temperature under vacuum to obtain a dried powdered beverage composition; and
subjecting the dried powdered beverage composition to granular filtration to obtain the protein rich powdered beverage, free from particulate contaminants.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the soy protein isolate comprises a hydrolysate of soy protein in granular form obtained from defatted soy material.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the milk protein isolate comprises defatted milk protein.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one potent sweetener comprising:
sucralose; neotame; aspartame; sodium saccharin; sorbital; acesulfame K; and stevia, and
a combination thereof

5. The potent sweetener sucralose of claim 4 comprises at least 167 gm sucralose per 100 gm of the powdered beverage composition in one embodiment of the present invention.

6. The potent sweetener neotame of claim 4 comprises at least 12.5 mg neotame per 100 gm of the powdered beverage composition in another embodiment of the present invention.

7. The combination of sweeteners of claim 4 comprises at least 83.5 mg sucralose and 6.25 mg neotame per 100 gm of the powdered beverage composition in at least one embodiment of the present invention.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the natural thickening agent comprises Citri-Fiber infused with guar gum in an amount of not more than 250 mg per 100 gm of the powdered beverage composition.

9. The method of claim 1, where in the at least one natural fruit concentrate comprises not more than 5% of spray dried powder of any fruit.