Title:Ancient Wheat as Promising Nutraceuticals for the Prevention of
Chronic and Degenerative Diseases
Volume: 30
Issue: 30
关键词:
小麦，古小麦，谷物，全谷物，营养保健品，阿魏酸，类胡萝卜素，抗氧化剂，人类健康。
摘要: In the context of a balanced diet, wheat, mainly used as whole grains, is a
good source of nutrients, including fibers and bioactive compounds. Cereals belong to
the Poaceae family and are crucial for maintaining a healthy status, granted by their nutritional
and chemical properties. Recent studies have demonstrated that the intake of
whole grains and grain-based products may reduce the risk of oxidative stress, thus lowering
chronic and age-related disorders, such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes
and cancer. Indeed, several studies report that regular whole grain consumption is
associated with lower levels of total and LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose,
blood pressure and body mass index. Moreover, ancient wheat species have become increasingly
interested in human health, containing several nutraceutical compounds, such
as vitamins and minerals. The numerous phytochemicals present in ancient wheat (polyphenols,
carotenoids, phytosterols and phenolic compounds) provide, in fact, antioxidant
properties, which are essential in the prevention of various chronic and degenerative
diseases. This review aims to report information on ancient wheat species, discussing
their composition and nutraceutical properties compared with modern varieties and highlighting
the beneficial impact on human health.
