Taichung agricultural institute creates red adlay drink for seniors

臺中農改場為銀髮族研發紅薏仁漿

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taichung Agricultural Research and Extension Station, under the Ministry of Agriculture, has created a whole-grain red adlay beverage to bolster senior health.

According to the institute, red adlay retains its full nutritional value because the bran is left intact. The harvested grains are kept refrigerated and undergo minimal processing to help reduce carbon emissions, per CNA.

The production technology for the beverage, which covers standardized procedures from raw material selection to formulation ratios, has been licensed to industry partners. The institute is collaborating with these partners to develop shelf-stable versions of the drink.

Last year, the institute teamed up with Taipei Veterans General Hospital for a human trial of the beverage. Participants, with an average age of 74, drank two 290-milliliter servings daily. After eight weeks, individuals with high blood sugar or high cholesterol levels experienced a decrease in blood sugar markers, with levels dropping by up to 0.2%.

Researchers also found an increase in myostatin, a substance linked to maintaining muscle in older adults, suggesting the drink helps slow age-related muscle loss.

The agency added that it will continue to promote the breeding and cultivation of adlay varieties and will also strengthen the development of processing technologies to support the domestic adlay industry.

In November, the institute also worked with Taichung Veterans General Hospital to introduce a horticultural therapy program for individuals with schizophrenia, a mental health condition. The 12-week course consisted of weekly 1.5-hour sessions, during which participants created artwork featuring flowers and plants to enhance their motor skills.

The hospital explained that some people with mental health issues experience delayed motor movements due to medication side effects. After the program, 24 participants showed significant improvement in hand coordination.