engleski

Positive effects of barley on human health

Significant increase in cardiovascular (coronary heart disease, hypertension and stroke) and metabolic diseases (type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance) as well as the growth of global obesity represent major problems of today. A proper and nutritiously balanced diet is one of the main prerequisites for the healthy way of life. Due to the increased quantity of scientific evidence that the wholegrain and wholegrain-based products not only provide energy and nutrition, but also have a positive effect on human health, there are more and more recommendations to include these ingredients in our everyday diet. Barley is the fourth most often produced cereal in the world with the annual production of around 140 million tons. It is rich in nutrients and functional ingredients and is an important source of beta-glucan. Based on scientific opinions, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved three health claims pursuant to the Article 13(1) and two health claims pursuant to the Article 14(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 which are connected with barley and beta glucan from barley. Although barley has been used since ancient times, new scientific findings give additional stimulation to users to consume barley, but also to the food industry to develop barley-based products. The paper gives an overview of the most important barley producers in the world and the state of barley production in the Republic of Croatia as well as the most important health benefits of barley and barley products with approved health claims by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

barley ; β-glucan ; cardiovascular and metabolic diseases ; health statement ; functional food

nije evidentirano