Abstract
Overcoming the clinical failure of weight management caused by post-prandial hunger, a scalable and functional food matrix is needed, which can modulate the satiety mechanism of the gut-brain axis. Formulation and optimization of a unique snack matrix containing bioactivity-dense Mango Seed Kernel Powder (MSKP; 0-8% w/w) and bio-mineralized Eggshell Powder (ESP; 1% w/w) were used to address appetite, glycemic index, and metabolic lipid modulation. Rheology, microstructure, and chemical analysis revealed that MSKP incorporation increased dietary fiber content up to 6.30%, increased structural calcium content (79.93 mg/100 g) without compromising crude protein content (17.67-18.93%). Microstructure and pasting analysis showed that increased polyphenols-fiber content increased bulk density from 0.21 to 0.27 g/cm³ and decreased peak viscosity from 230.4 to 174.3 mPa·s, resulting in a highly cohesive matrix with increased toughness (0.59 kg·s). MSKP inclusion altered carbohydrate digestibility by slowing the hydrolysis of starches: RDS reduced to 64.09% (initial 77.05%) causing a significant increase in SDS (8.98% to 17.99%), RS (up to 22.76%), and lowered e-GI to 31.55. The sensorial profile includes S2-S4 at 2-4% MSKP level that includes scoring for visual appearance (7.3), taste, and crispness. Mixing agricultural wastes into a matrix of aerated pulses results in low-GI, high fiber, and calcium-enriched functional carrier designed for delaying gastric evacuation and providing prolonged satiety.