New barley variety to offer heart health solution

23/09/05 Alberta barley growers are on the verge of making a major contribution to North America's heart health by growing a crop with properties clinically proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

"Barley is rich in soluble fibre," says Bev Whitmore, registered dietitian consultant with the Alberta Barley Commission. "In several US clinical trials, consumption of soluble fibre from barley significantly reduced levels of bad cholesterol in study subjects."

Internationally-renowned Canadian researchers are also studying the health and barley link. A clinical trial based at the University of Calgary and University of Toronto is testing the efficacy of a soluble fibre concentrate in reducing cholesterol, with results expected sometime in 2006.

The Alberta Barley Commission is a producer-funded organization, directed by Alberta barley growers. It coordinates research, and undertakes market and policy development on behalf of Alberta's barley farmers, and is the only barley commission in Canada.