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Simple Addition to Corn Bran Could Boost Grain's Nutritional Value 15-35%

Corn is one of the most widely grown crops in the world, and it is a staple food for many people. However, corn is not as nutritious as some other grains, such as wheat and rice. Researchers have been looking for ways to increase the nutritional value of corn, and a new study suggests that a simple addition to corn bran could boost its nutritional value by 15-35%.

What is Corn Bran?

Corn bran is the outer layer of the corn kernel. It is removed during the milling process when corn is turned into flour. Corn bran is high in fiber and contains some vitamins and minerals, but it is not as nutritious as other parts of the corn kernel.

The Study

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign conducted a study to see if adding a small amount of a substance called phytase to corn bran could increase its nutritional value. Phytase is an enzyme that breaks down phytic acid, which can bind to minerals in the body and prevent them from being absorbed.

The researchers added phytase to corn bran and fed it to pigs. They found that the pigs were able to absorb more minerals from the corn bran when phytase was added. The researchers estimate that adding phytase to corn bran could increase its nutritional value by 15-35%.

Why is This Important?

Corn is an important crop for many people around the world, but it is not as nutritious as some other grains. Adding phytase to corn bran could make it more nutritious and help people get more vitamins and minerals from their food.

In addition, using corn bran in animal feed could also be beneficial. When animals are fed corn bran with added phytase, they are able to absorb more nutrients from their food. This could lead to healthier animals and more efficient farming practices.

Other Ways to Increase the Nutritional Value of Corn

Adding phytase to corn bran is not the only way to increase the nutritional value of corn. Here are some other ways:

1. Choose Corn with a Higher Nutritional Value

Some types of corn are more nutritious than others. For example, blue corn is higher in antioxidants than yellow or white corn. Choosing corn with a higher nutritional value can help you get more vitamins and minerals from your food.

2. Eat Whole Grain Corn Products

When corn is processed into flour, some of the nutrients are lost. Eating whole grain corn products, such as whole grain cornbread or tortillas, can help you get more vitamins and minerals from your food.

3. Add Nutritious Ingredients to Corn Dishes

Adding nutritious ingredients to corn dishes can increase their nutritional value. For example, adding beans to a corn salad can increase the protein and fiber content.

Conclusion

Corn is an important crop for many people around the world, but it is not as nutritious as some other grains. Adding phytase to corn bran could increase its nutritional value by 15-35%, making it a more nutritious food for both humans and animals. There are also other ways to increase the nutritional value of corn, such as choosing corn with a higher nutritional value, eating whole grain corn products, and adding nutritious ingredients to corn dishes.

FAQs

Q1: What is phytase?

Phytase is an enzyme that breaks down phytic acid, which can bind to minerals in the body and prevent them from being absorbed.

Q2: What is corn bran?

Corn bran is the outer layer of the corn kernel that is removed during the milling process when corn is turned into flour.

Q3: How much could adding phytase to corn bran increase its nutritional value?

Researchers estimate that adding phytase to corn bran could increase its nutritional value by 15-35%.

Q4: What are some other ways to increase the nutritional value of corn?

Other ways to increase the nutritional value of corn include choosing corn with a higher nutritional value, eating whole grain corn products, and adding nutritious ingredients to corn dishes.

Q5: Why is it important to increase the nutritional value of corn?

Corn is an important crop for many people around the world, but it is not as nutritious as some other grains. Increasing the nutritional value of corn can help people get more vitamins and minerals from their food.

This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.

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