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Old recipe making a come back

Baltic scientists have reinvented the centuries-old sourdough bread-making technique, which was used in ancient times, to meet the needs of the modern food industry. The project FERMFOOD found ways to deliver a better flavor, texture and longer shelf life while maintaining dietary fiber and reducing additives.

SourceEUREKA·DateDec 5, 2011

New measurement important complement to GI

A new measurement called 'glycemic profile' (GP) was developed to complement the existing glycemic index (GI) method. GP takes into account the shape and duration of the blood sugar curve after consuming a meal, providing a more accurate picture of the glucose response.

SourceLund University·JournalNutrition Journal·DateJun 28, 2011

Danish researchers finally solve the obesity riddle

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a diet high in protein and low-Glycemic Index (GI) foods can help prevent weight regain. The study, which involved 772 European families, showed that those who followed a high-protein, low-GI diet had less weight regain than those on other diets.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 24, 2010

The largest Last Supper

A study analyzed 52 paintings of the Last Supper and found that portion size, plate size, and bread size increased dramatically over the past thousand years. The main courses depicted grew by 69%, while plate sizes increased by 66% and bread sizes by 23%.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 23, 2010

Seaweed to tackle rising tide of obesity

Newcastle University researchers found that dietary fibre in seaweed reduces fat absorption by 75%. Adding this fibre to foods like bread may help people lose weight while eating normally. The study's next step is to test the effects on volunteers and determine if such foods are acceptable in a normal diet.

Gene to reduce wheat yield losses

Scientists from the US and Israel have discovered a new gene that provides resistance to stripe rust, a fungal disease responsible for significant wheat yield losses. The novel gene has been found in wild wheat and is absent in modern varieties, offering a potential solution to devastating disease outbreaks.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 2009

A safe folic acid boost from flour

Researchers find that consuming folic acid from fortified flour at current mandated US levels and double this amount is probably safe at average intakes. However, long-term surveillance is needed to assess potential safety implications of accumulated folic acid in the population.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMar 21, 2007

Ancient genes used to produce salt-tolerant wheat

Researchers have identified two ancient genes, Nax1 and Nax2, that enable salt tolerance in wheat by excluding salt from roots and leaves. The discovery paves the way for developing more resilient crop varieties to stabilize soil and provide income for farmers affected by salinity.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateFeb 1, 2007

Seaweed could make junk food healthier

Researchers at Newcastle University found that alginate, a seaweed extract, can strengthen mucus, slow digestion, and increase fibre content in foods. This compound may help reduce the incidence of diseases like bowel cancer by promoting high-fibre diets.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·DateSep 26, 2005

Bread crust and stuffing rich in healthy antioxidants

A study by American Chemical Society researchers identified a novel type of antioxidant called pronyl-lysine in bread crust, which is eight times more abundant than in the crumb. This compound is likely to be more effective when bread is broken down into smaller pieces and baked, such as in stuffing.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 4, 2002