The HEALTHGRAIN project: new insights in cereal grain fibres

Abstract

Cereal grain-based products with health benefits represent a growing part of the health-related food market. Market growth in recent years has been supported significantly by the adoption of health claims (USA – 1999, UK – 2002 and Sweden – 2003) linking whole grain-based products with a reduction in risk of coronary heart disease. These products are associated with a range of other health benefits including reduced risk of obesity, diabetes and some types of cancer. With respect to the classical health and well-being benefits of
cereal fiber – contributing to intestinal regularity – recent review papers confirm the superior performance of cereal grain fibre compared with fibres from other origins. Whereas the market growth of whole grain products is expected to continue in the coming years, research in Europe is focussing on exploring options for a wider range of healthy cereal grain based products, based on a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of whole grain health benefits. And the 16M HEALTHGRAIN 6th EU Framework Programme Integrated Project is playing a key role with 43 research partners from universities, institutes and leading cereal industries.