New discovery at heart of healthy cereals

A new discovery, funded through the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls, could help reduce heart disease and boost nutrition security—the access to balanced nourishment—globally.

Researchers at The University of Queensland have identified a new mechanism for how healthy cereals such as oats reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood stream, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease.

The discovery could lead to ways of boosting the cholesterol-fighting properties of other cereals including wheat.

ARC-funded researcher, Professor Mike Gidley, said the study revealed new information on the function of beta glucans—a healthy soluble fibre naturally occurring in the cell walls of some plants, particularly cereals.

Media issued by The University of Queensland.