L2M – Antioxidant-rich Functional Fiber Developed from Co-products of Cereals and Legumes

Antioxidant dietary fiber is an emerging concept that combines the health benefits of dietary fiber and natural polyphenolic antioxidants into a single functional ingredient. Dietary fiber supports gut and heart health, blood sugar regulation, weight management, and digestive well-being. Phenolic compounds, commonly found in colorful fruits and vegetables, help protect the body from oxidative damage that can lead to serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease. In addition, there is a growing demand for natural alternatives to synthetic food additives. While antioxidant-rich dietary fiber from fruits and vegetables has been widely studied, less attention has been paid to similar compounds found in cereal and legume by-products, such as wheat and oat bran, as well as faba bean and lentil hulls. These by-products are generated in large quantities by the food industry and are often discarded or used as low-value animal feed, contributing to environmental waste and greenhouse gas emissions. These agricultural residues are rich in both dietary fiber and antioxidant compounds, but 35-65% of the polyphenols are bound within the fiber and cannot be used by the body. This project aims to transform these underutilized by-products into high-value, health-promoting ingredients. By applying special heat-based and non-heat-based processing methods, we will release these polyphenolic antioxidants and improve the way dietary fiber works in our body. This approach offers a dual benefit of improving the health effects of both antioxidants and dietary fiber. The result is a novel natural ingredient that can serve as functional food ingredients, supplements, and even pet food, supporting better health in people and animals alike. By upcycling these by-products, we aim to build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable food system for everyone.

Faculty Supervisor:

Fereidoon Shahidi

Student:

Partner:

Springboard Atlantic Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Clean Technology; Agriculture and Food; Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program: