Effect of a natural high fibre diet on blood lipids and intestinal transit time in man

In two experiments with young healthy volunteers the effects of a high in take of dietary fibre on blood lipids and intestinal transit time were investigated. In the first experiment the effects were studied of a high-fibre diet, in which half of the dietary fibre was provided by vegetables and fruits and the rest came from bread and other cereal products. In the second trial the effects of dietary fibre derived from vegetables and fruits were compared with those of isolated citrus pectin and wheat bran. It is concluded that—at least in short-term controlled experiments—fibre-rich food-stuffs have only a small (vegetables and fruits) or no (bran) favourable effect on the level of serum cholesterol. However, in uncontrolled circumstances, a ‘natural’ high fibre diet may through its low fat and cholesterol content indirectly reduce the concentration of serum cholesterol. A high-fibre diet with vegetables and fruits as well as a diet with bran shorten the intestinal transit time and enhance faeces production.     

Underutilized sources of dietary fiber: A review

Interest in the fiber content of foods has decreased in recent years as concerns about fat intake have increased. Fiber, however, remains an important component of the diet. Soluble dietary fiber, including pectic substances and hydrocolloids, is found naturally in foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and oat bran. Insoluble fiber, including cellulose and hemicellulose, is found in foods such as whole grains. Fiber supplementation has been used to enhance the fiber content of a variety of foods ranging from cereal-based products to meats, imitation cheeses and sauces. Products used to enhance fiber content of foods have traditionally come from cereals such as wheat, corn and oats. There are a variety of other products, however, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and less commonly used cereals such as barley, which are potential sources of dietary fiber supplements. This article reviews research on some of these underutilized sources of dietary fiber.     

Fibre constituents of some foods

Some plant foods viz. bottlegourd, carrot, cauliflower, cabbage, green bengalgram, pea, apple, plum, guava, karonda, blackgram husk and lentil husk were analysed for their dietary fibre components. The total dietary fibre contents of these foods varied from 14.68 to 78.21 percent on dry matter basis. As compared to fruits and vegetables, the husks had higher amount of total dietary fibre. Cellulose represented as the major fibre constituent in most of the foods whereas, husks were observed to be good sources of hemicellulose. All foods were low in pectin and lignin contents except guava.     

The Combined Effect of Blackcurrant Powder and Wholemeal Flours to Improve Health Promoting Properties of Cookies

A diet with high glycaemic index, which causes rapid spikes in blood sugar level, can lead to disorders such as significantly increased risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity. These conditions are also linked to the progression of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease. Blackcurrant powder (BC) is a rich source of dietary fibre and bioactive compounds. Wholemeal wheat, barley and oat flours contain high amount of fibre. In this study, a model food (cookie) was developed and used to investigate the in vitro glycaemic glucose equivalent and antioxidant activities of the cookies made with three different wholemeal flours (wheat, barley and oat) with different replacement levels (5, 10 and 15%) of blackcurrant powder. Increasing the proportion of blackcurrant powder in the cookie resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in glucose release after in vitro digestion compared to the control. In addition, incorporation of blackcurrant powder in cookies up to 15% increased the antioxidant capacity. The combination of wholemeal flour and the bioactive compound rich blackcurrant has the potential to improve the nutritional value and reduce the glycaemic index of such foods.     

Nutritional properties and ultra-structure of commercial gluten free flours from different botanical sources compared to wheat flours

Coeliac patients suffer from an immune mediated disease, triggered by the ingestion of a protein composite (gluten) found in wheat, rye and barley. Consequently, there is a need for products such as bread or pasta, made from alternative cereal grains or pseudocereals. A fair proportion of the gluten free products currently on the market are nutritionally inadequate. Hence, it was the aim of this study to investigate the nutrient composition of seven commonly used commercial gluten free flours (oat, rice, sorghum, maize, teff, buckwheat and quinoa) and compare them to wheat and wholemeal wheat flour. In addition to the levels of all major compounds, also mineral composition, fatty acid profile, phytate, polyphenols and folate content were determined. Furthermore, properties of carbohydrates were studied in greater detail, looking at total and damaged starch levels; total, soluble and insoluble dietary fibre content as well as amylose/amylopectin ratio. Proteins were further investigated by means of capillary electrophoreses. Additionally, the ultra-structure of these materials was explored using scanning electron microscopy. The results show that maize and rice flour are poor regarding their nutritional value (low protein, fibre, folate contents). In contrast, teff as well as the pseudocereals quinoa and buckwheat show a favourable fatty acid composition and are high in protein and folate. In particular, quinoa and teff are characterised by high fibre content and are high in calcium, magnesium and iron. Therefore these flours represent nutrient-dense raw materials for the production of gluten free foods.     

The potential of naked barley sourdough to improve the quality and dietary fibre content of barley enriched wheat bread

The possibility of using naked barley for food products is gaining popularity due to its dietary fibre content, especially β-glucans. The technological process (dough preparation, fermentation and baking) influences bread quality but also may contribute to degradation or preservation of valuable grain components. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of different wholemeal barley flour share and bread production method on the quality of bread and non-starch polysaccharides content and solubility.Barley enriched bread contained more both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre and β-glucans, products of 40% barley share contained 67% more total dietary fibre and 160% more β-glucans than control. However, barley incorporation decreased the amount of soluble arabinoxylans. High barley contents contributed to the breads’ volume reduction by 14% and change in their crumb and crust colour. However, barley enriched breads gained higher ratings of taste than wheat bread. Barley sourdough fermentation improved breads’ volume, colour and sensory properties. Sourdough fermentation also resulted in higher concentration of dietary fibre, arabinoxylans and β-glucans. The beneficial effect of barley addition to wheat bread may be successfully enhanced by using barley wholemeal sourdough fermentation.     

Chemical and Functional Characterization of Kañiwa (C<Emphasis Type="Italic">henopodium pallidicaule</Emphasis>) Grain,Extrudate and Bran

Cereals provide a good source of dietary fibre and other important compounds with nutritional potential, such as phenolic compounds, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Although native Andean cereals are known to have high nutritional value, their minor components have not been studied thoroughly. In this study, two varieties of a native Andean crop, kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule), were investigated as sources of dietary fibre and specific antioxidant compounds. Two products, an extrudate and bran, were also prepared and their functional properties and bioactive compounds were determined. Both varieties were rich in total dietary fibre and lignin, and the phenolic components analyzed had high antioxidant activity. The extrudates had good functional properties, such as degree of gelatinization, sectional expansion index and water solubility index; the bran was high in bioactive compounds, such as total phenolics. In conclusion, kañiwa may offer an alternative to traditional cereals as a health-promoting food ingredient.     

Bubbles in chapatti doughs

Traditionally, chapattis are flatbreads made from atta (wholemeal Indian wheat flour). Non-atta chapattis have not been popular due to substandard product quality. To investigate what makes atta special for making chapattis, products were made using atta, Australian wholemeal wheat flour, gluten-free lupin flour, and a blend of lupin and wheat flours. Doughs were characterised by measuring strain-hardening and elastic recovery in compression and also bubble structures via 3-D X-ray micro-tomography. A method was developed to identify and separate bran, which appears as bubbles, in scans of doughs.     

The influence of fermentation processes and cereal grains in wholegrain bread on reducing phytate content

Wholegrain bread is generally thought of as being more healthy than white bread due to it having a higher content of dietary fibre, vitamins (especially vitamin B and E) and many important minerals. However, wholegrain bread also contains high levels of phytate (myo-inositolhexakisphosphate, InsP-6) which may bind desirable nutrients, preventing their absorption in the gut and thereby reducing the nutritional value of the end product. In order to evaluate factors influencing phytate levels, the effects of fermentation and selected wholemeal flours from rye, oats and wheat were investigated. Phytate levels were assessed using a spectrophotometric assay based on the measurement of iron with 2,2′-bipyridine. Phytate decreased in freshly ground wholegrain flour dough during the fermentation process with time of fermentation being the most important factor. Fermentation temperature was found to make only a small difference to the process of phytate reduction. Since the potential benefits of wholemeal breads incorporating various grains (e.g. oats and rye) are increasingly evident, this research has important implications for human health.     

Improving cereal grain carbohydrates for diet and health

Starch and cell wall polysaccharides (dietary fibre) of cereal grains contribute to the health benefits associated with the consumption of whole grain cereal products, including reduced risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer. The physiological bases for these effects are reviewed in relation to the structures and physical properties of the polysaccharides and their behaviour (including digestion and fermentation) in the gastro-intestinal tract. Strategies for modifying the content and composition of grain polysaccharides to increase their health benefits are discussed, including exploiting natural variation and using mutagenesis and transgenesis to generate further variation. These studies will facilitate the development of new types of cereals and cereal products to face the major health challenges of the 21st century.     

The influence of milling on the nutritive value of flour from cereal grains. 5. Maize

Different grades of maize flour were produced by dry milling of yellow maize. The chemical composition of wholemeal, three semi-sifted flours and degermed maize was determined, and the nutritional value of the flours were investigated in balance experiments with growing rats. Distinct differences in nutrient and fibre content were found. Amino acid composition was significantly different in the milled fractions, and the content of minerals and phytate in the flours was determined by the extent to which the germ was retained. Phytate: zinc molar ratios ranged from 43 to 2. Weight gain of rats was closely correlated to the concentration of lysine (r=0.99) and tryptophan (r=0.97). Weight gain of rats fed degermed maize was reduced to half of that of rats fed wholemeal. True protein digestibility was high, but protein quality varied widely between the different flour fractions. Energy density of the flours was quite similar. Rats fed wholemeal had the highest intake of zinc and the highest apparent zinc absorption and retention but the lowest femur zinc concentration. Factors present in whole maize may interfere with zinc utilization. The results might indicate an interaction between phytate and fibre. Supplementation of wholemeal with lysine and tryptophan increased the biological value of the protein and the weight gain considerably, but apparent absorption and retention of zinc as well as femur zinc concentration were similar in unsupplemented and supplemented rats. The percentage of zinc absorbed from degermed maize flour was high, but degermed maize has a very low content of minerals and is highly deficient in lysine and tryptophan.     

Evaluation of the selenium and chromium content of plant foods

In the present study the selenium and chromium content of different plant foods such as fruits, greens, flowers, vegetables, dried fruits, spices, condiments, cereals and pulses were analysed. The selenium values for cereals indehiscent vegetables, root vegetables, stem vegetables, pulses, fleshy vegetables, greens, fleshy fruits, condiment seeds, spices and dried fruits ranged between 24.2–32.16, 2.4–18.9, 2.8–21.5, 3.0–32, 48.7–92.5, 1.25–9.5, 3.0–8.2, 2.0–9.4, 6.2–66.2, 6.2–17.5 and 3.5–16.8 g/100 g respectively. The chromium values for the same ranged between 48.2–52.6, 31.0–45, 21.2–25.7, 23.7–62.8, 15.0–43.5, 20.4–65, 14.2–42.1, 14.25–46.7, 58.4–150 and 96–168 g/100 g respectively. Thus dried fruits have the highest chromium content and pulses the highest selenium content.     

Effect of extrusion treatment on enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat bran

Although, wheat bran is a good source of dietary fibre (DF), it has certain disadvantages due relatively lower levels of soluble DF. Therefore, in the current study, the effect of extrusion treatment on microstructure and enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat bran was investigated. Extrusion treatment increased fibre solubility at all process conditions and the screw speed was found to be the most effective parameter. Physicochemical properties of bran were affected from extrusion treatments. While the water-binding capacities of extruded brans were lower than that of non-extruded wheat bran, their water solubilities were higher. Enzymatic hydrolysis increased the soluble DF content of the bran samples as compared to those of respective samples at the beginning of incubation. The results showed that extrusion treatment can be used to disrupt the wheat bran microstructure and thus to increase the soluble fibre content. Enzymatic hydrolysis can also be used for increasing solubility further. The outcomes of this study can be utilized for improving the technological functionality of cereal fibres to develop high fibre ingredients for food applications.     

Effect of puffing on ultrastructure and physical characteristics of cereal grains and flours

Puffed cereals are commonly used as ready-to-eat breakfast foods or as ingredients in snack formulations. Few investigations have been made on the ultrastructure and physical characteristics of puffed cereals; the properties of the flours milled from them have been even less investigated. The changes associated with the gun puffing process were evaluated for six different grains: common wheat, emmer wheat, rye, barley, rice and buckwheat. The results demonstrate that the effect of the puffing treatment is strongly influenced by the morphology and composition of the kernel. Puffed rye and rice have a very porous matrix, made up of numerous cavities of different sizes separated by a very thin ‘wall’ puffed wheat, emmer wheat and barley on the other hand show a much more compact, homogeneous and less porous structure; puffed buckwheat is characterised by a large number of small and regular cavities. Moreover, puffing induces significant changes in the structure and physical properties of the starch and an increased water holding capacity of both the grains and the flours.     

Starch properties, in vitro digestibility and sensory evaluation of fresh egg pasta produced from oat,teff and wheat flour

Specific dietary requirements, e.g. celiac disease, as well as increased consumer demand for products of high nutritional value, makes the production of pasta from alternative cereals interesting. Raw material characterisation showed that the utilisation of oat and teff flour is beneficial as these ingredients contain higher levels of fibre and mineral composition is superior to that of wheat. Starch properties significantly influence pasta quality and therefore damaged starch levels, amylase activity, pasting properties and gelatinisation temperatures of the flours were investigated. Fresh egg pasta based on wheat, oat and teff flour was produced. Sensory properties of oat spaghetti were found to be very close to that of wheat pasta but improvement of smoothness and aroma is necessary, while teff spaghetti showed reduced sensory quality. An in vitro enzymatic digestion was performed using a dialysis system to mimic the behaviour of pasta as eaten and make predictions on the glycemic index (GI). The predicted GI was highest for wheat pasta, followed by teff and oat. Ultra structure was studied using confocal laser scanning microscopy, allowing the visualisation of differences in starch granule size and shape as well as gelatinisation occurring during the cooking process.     

Distributions of phenolic compounds,yellow pigments and oxidative enzymes in wheat grains and their relation to antioxidant capacity of bran and debranned flour

In this study, the distribution of phenolic compounds and yellow pigments in wheat grains and their relation to the total antioxidant capacity of bran and debranned flour was investigated. Yellow pigments, the activity of lipoxygenase (LOX) and peroxidase (POX) enzymes were also determined. The bran fraction was found to contain significantly higher concentrations of phenolic acids, flavonoids and yellow pigments. The LOX activity was concentrated in endosperm and embryo, while the POX activity mostly concentrated in the bran fraction. The results suggest that the bran fraction of wheat would potentially provide naturally occurring antioxidants. From the health benefit point of view, a small level of bran incorporation to bread can be recommended to increase dietary fibre and phytonutrients in the diet.     

Distributions of phenolic compounds,yellow pigments and oxidative enzymes in wheat grains and their relation to antioxidant capacity of bran and debranned flour

In this study, the distribution of phenolic compounds and yellow pigments in wheat grains and their relation to the total antioxidant capacity of bran and debranned flour was investigated. Yellow pigments, the activity of lipoxygenase (LOX) and peroxidase (POX) enzymes were also determined. The bran fraction was found to contain significantly higher concentrations of phenolic acids, flavonoids and yellow pigments. The LOX activity was concentrated in endosperm and embryo, while the POX activity mostly concentrated in the bran fraction. The results suggest that the bran fraction of wheat would potentially provide naturally occurring antioxidants. From the health benefit point of view, a small level of bran incorporation to bread can be recommended to increase dietary fibre and phytonutrients in the diet.     

Whole grain phytochemicals and health

Phytochemicals and antioxidants in whole grains have not received as much attention as the phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables although the increased consumption of whole grains and whole grain products has been associated with reduced risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and all-cause mortality. Recent research has shown that the total phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of whole grains have been commonly underestimated in the literature, and that whole grains contain more phytochemicals than was previously reported. Most whole grain phenolics are in bound form, 85% in corn, 76% in wheat, and 75% in oats. In addition, whole grains contain unique phytochemicals that complement those in fruits and vegetables when consumed together. The beneficial effects associated with whole grain consumption are in part due to the existence of the unique phytochemicals of whole grains. The majority of phytochemicals of whole grains that are beneficial for health are present in the bran/germ fraction. In whole wheat flour, the bran/germ fraction contributed 83% of total phenolic content, 79% of total flavonoid content, 78% of total zeaxanthin, 51% of total lutein, and 42% of total β-cryptoxanthin. The bran/germ fraction of whole wheat may therefore impart greater health benefits when consumed as part of a diet, and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. This paper will review recent research on the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of whole grains and their unique contribution to the health benefits of whole grains.     

Resistant starch content of Indian foods

Resistant starch (RS) was determined in a few selected cereals, legumes and vegetables after processing. Higher RS contents were observed in foods subjected to dry heat treatment compared to wet processed ones. Among the foods studied, sorghum, green gram dhal, and green plantain showed relatively higher RS content. Based on the RS content thus determined in individual foods and the known composition of the Indian diet, RS content of Indian diets were computed.     

Analysis of polyphenols in cereals may be improved performing acidic hydrolysis: A study in wheat flour and wheat bran and cereals of the diet

Most analytical studies on polyphenols in cereals refer to compounds determined in aqueous-organic extracts and alkali hydrolysates, but an appreciable amount of polyphenols bound to cell wall constituents may remain insoluble in the residues of extraction and alkali hydrolysis. The main objective of this work was to determine if sulphuric acid hydrolysis may release significant amounts of polyphenols to be considered for analytical and nutritional studies. HPLC/MS analyses of polyphenols were performed in methanol–acetone extracts, alkali and sulphuric acid hydrolysates of wheat flour, bran and a pool of cereals of the diet. The amount of polyphenols found in the acidic hydrolysates (200–1600 mg/100 g) was higher than in alkali hydrolysates (0.2–372 mg/100 g). Lower amount of polyphenols were found in the methanol–acetone extracts (44–160 mg/100 g). Hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, cinammic, ferulic and protocatechuic acids were the main constituents of the hydrolysates. The contribution of cereals to the intake of dietary polyphenols in Spain was estimated around 360 mg/person/day (65 mg of extractable and 295 mg nonextractable polyphenols).