Corn flakes lack many healthy vitamins

Urbana (pte003 / 11.07.2018 / 06: 10) –

Although corn, a source of cornflakes, is rich in vitamins and phenolic acids, it is effective against cancer and infections. However, these recyclables are often lost in industrial processing, as discovered by Carrie Butts-Wilmsmeyer, a junior professor of agricultural sciences at the University of Illinois (Illinois).

Recyclable waste ends

The team around Butts -Wilmsmeyer made corn flakes from 19 different cereal samples. The starting materials differed in phenolic acid content. The experts wanted to know if these differences are reflected in the cereals that come from them. "Regardless of the concentration of phenolic acid in the starting materials, the treatment has lost most of the acids."

Phenolic acids are found mainly in the outer layer of grains, which are eliminated during the first stage of production is. The researchers tried to transport the phenolic acids that remained in the casings into the product at a later stage of the process by heating them. It actually worked, but only to a small extent. "You can go to the fridge and eat blueberries," says Butts-Wilmsmeyer. This has the same effect.

Adding Health Professionals Later

Up to now, only studies have produced large quantities of corn flakes. The Illinois team has worked with 100 gram laboratories. According to experts, this helps to study every step of the process and determine how phenolic acid can be saved. "Now we can find how we can change the process so as not to lose precious substances," says Martin Bohn, co-author of the study and also badistant professor of agricultural sciences in Urbana.

Researchers focus on how to recover valuable materials that are left in suspected waste and have them incorporated into corn flakes. "I believe we are able to incorporate phenolic acids into the final product," says Bohn. This could help people who eat little vegetables and fruits – after all, the main sources of human phenolic acids and vitamin needs. Proponents of the study include the cereal maker Kellogg.

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