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|  issue 10  |
winter
2005
 

New barley for better health

Bred using traditional plant breeding, BARLEYmax has a unique starch profile, giving it nutritional properties quite different to other grains.

CSIRO has conducted animal and human trials of BARLEYmax and found potential health benefits in several areas:

  • BARLEYmax can be used to produce foods with a low glycaemic index (GI) - useful in managing diabetes. A prototype BARLEYmax breakfast cereal had a GI of 50, compared to a conventional barley cereal GI of 77.
  • BARLEYmax has high levels of ß-Glucan, a soluble fibre with cholesterol lowering properties.
  • BARLEYmax is high in insoluble dietary fibre and resistant starch, which both help maintain bowel health. Resistant starch takes longer to digest, helps regulate blood sugar and promotes healthy digestive bacteria.
Of course, all this means little if the final product isn't good to eat.

Prototype products show that BARLEYmax has excellent processing qualities for making breakfast cereals, bread and other bakery products. The natural sweetness of the grain means it has an appealing taste without added sugar.

CSIRO plant breeders in Canberra have developed elite lines of BARLEYmax for further development - it may not be too long before products made from BARLEYmax are on your breakfast table.
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