Most people do not eat enough whole grains. At the same time, the body has more difficulty absorbing minerals from grains than from meat. This includes iron, which many young women lack.
Water and heat
As part of the Mineralskiftet project, Axfoundation and several partners have worked on a method in which grains are treated with water and heat.
The treatment helps break down phytic acid, which is found in grains. Phytic acid binds to minerals, making them more difficult for the body to absorb.
According to results from Mineralskiftet, the method can break down up to 99 percent of the phytic acid.
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The project has been carried out in collaboration with Good Grains and Chalmers University of Technology, among others, with support from Vinnova.
Reaching stores
The method is now being used in the Swedish snack product Råggyberry. The product contains treated whole-grain rye, yoghurt, and a redcurrant and apple compote.
Following a trial at Urban Deli, production has been scaled up, and Råggyberry is now sold through several of Axfood's retail chains.
According to Mineralskiftet, the method could make around four times as much iron, zinc, and other minerals from grains available for absorption by the body.
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This could make the minerals almost as bioavailable as those found in meat.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.