By YASEMIN TALAT
IT just keeps getting better; at least that’s what researchers at Victoria University are hoping to see from their latest research project.
PhD candidate Kris Nelson from Victoria University’s College of Health and Biomedicine is researching the nutritional benefits of sprouted grains, and whether they are better than eating regular whole grains.
“Whole grains we know are really beneficial so when we sprout the wholegrain we think they might be even more beneficial,” Ms Nelson said.
“My research has shown that sprouted grains, under the right conditions, contain even more vitamins and antioxidants than regular whole grains, but whether that ends up making a difference when they are eaten remains to be seen.”
Ms Nelson said the new study, in partnership with Sanitarium, will help show whether or not there are any short term benefits from eating sprouted grains.
And next year the study will go further and look at any potential long term benefits of the sprouted grains including weight loss affects.
“The use of sprouted grains could have major public health benefits and that’s why this research is so important,” Ms Nelson said.
“It could really improve the nutritional value of our staple foods,” she said.
“Anyone who can volunteer to help with this project would be making a valuable contribution.”
The study about to commence will trial breakfast cereals made from both regular and sprouted grains to draw comparison.
Overweight women aged between 30 and 60 years and who can eat breakfast cereals, are being invited to participate in the study.
Participants will eat the cereals one morning a week at the University’s research clinic and then have their blood measured as part of the research.
To discuss your eligibility for the trail contact Kris Nelson on 0448 355 535.
