Beneo launches Orafti® β-Fit, a functional wholemeal barley flour with health-promoting properties. The clean label ingredient contains 20% β-glucans and helps to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, among other things. Orafti® β-Fit is suitable as a natural source of dietary fibre for numerous applications, is attractively priced in the β -glucan segment and is now available worldwide.

β-Glucans are viscous, soluble dietary fibres that thicken the food pulp and thus delay its passage through the small and large intestine. Barley β-glucans thus lower the blood sugar response and both short- and long-term blood cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. More than 120 scientific studies support these health effects. EFSA, FDA, Health Canada and other national authorities have recognised the mode of action and approved corresponding health claims. In Europe and the USA, however, only health claims for β-glucans from cereals are approved. Surveys show that around 70% of consumers worldwide are interested in products that can support heart health – even if they have no health problems.