Malt Ingredient; Help Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Lower Cholesterol

 

Malt ingredients are mainly produced from wheat, sorghum, rye, barley, and oats by using the malting process. Barley malt is widely used to produce malt vinegar, whiskey, beer, and malted milk. Malt is a rich source of vitamin-B and protein, thus its consumption supports good health. Malt ingredients are available in the form of malt flour, flakes, liquid malt, and dry malt. Out of which, liquid malt is widely used as topping and syrup on the confectionery food products. Malt is one of the most popular grains produced using barley in which the barley is soaked in water and then dried in hot water, a process that allows the germination of barley.

Once dried, malt is often ground into a slightly sweet powder, referred to simply as malt or sweet meal. Moreover, malt and malt ingredients are good for health. A heart-healthy mix, folate, potassium, malt contains fiber, and vitamin B6, which together help reduce the risk of cardiac disease and lower cholesterol. Its dietary fiber helps increases cholesterol absorption and reduce insulin activity. Furthermore, malt extract is a rich source of soluble fiber, which helps improve digestion by optimizing good bacteria and minimizing bad bacteria.

The demand for malt ingredients has increased due to growing demand for functional food among consumer. This is attributed to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases owing to hectic lifestyles and increasing awareness among consumers regarding the health benefits of functional foods. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Functional foods have an additional function by adding new ingredients or more of existing ingredients.

Malt is the name given to a sweetening agent made primarily from barley. Pharmaceuticals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, animal feed, dairy and frozen products, and bakery and confectionery products are some of the application areas of malt ingredients.