SWEDEN – Lund University and development company Ceba have received 1.87 million euro funding from the European Commission to develop new functional foods from cereals.

Oats are rich in soluble dietary fibres called beta-glucans. It is thought that these have a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels. The fibres are also said to improve carbohydrate metabolism.

The aim of the research is to produce highly pure beta-glucans and assess their nutritional and chemical properties. According to the scientists it should be possible to use these beta-glucans in food products such as ice cream, yogurt, drinks and sauces.

Researchers will also study which foodstuffs are suitable for the addition of beta-glucans, and survey consumer attitudes to the new foodstuffs.