Demand for protein is increasing both in our country and throughout the world, and this is raising the economic value of protein-containing foodstuffs. It is also clear that, with the growing world population, products containing animal protein may not be able to meet demand. A shift towards alternative sources (for example, plant protein) is therefore apparent. In many countries, for instance, major investments are being made in the production of pea protein. The conversion efficiency of plant proteins into animal proteins is approximately 15%. This underlines the importance of plant proteins.
Between 2015 and 2017, in line with these principles and under the supervision of our academic, a TÜBİTAK
project was carried out at IZU in the field of producing plant protein products from our local resources. Taking the findings of that project into account, the present TÜBİTAK project has undertaken to produce innovative protein products with the potential to have a positive effect on human health, using hazelnuts, one of our country's principal agricultural products.
The benefits of hazelnuts for human health have been examined in detail in the international literature. The valuable properties of hazelnut oil, in particular, are well documented.
In the literature, however, it is generally the allergenic properties of hazelnut proteins that are emphasised. Our project will aim to suppress this allergenicity and to reveal the potential benefits of hazelnut proteins for human health. The leading cause of death in Türkiye is circulatory system diseases, including cardiovascular disorders. Advances in this area in particular may prove beneficial for the general health of our society.
Our innovative hazelnut protein-based products will be suitable for use in many food and cosmetic products. In the project, final product trials will be carried out with the support of a national company (FİSKOBİRLİK), with the aim of producing foods with enhanced benefits for human health and suppressed allergenic properties.