Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
10:30
A Generalized Method for Determining Free Soluble Phenolic Acid Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Cereals and Legumes
Published on: June 10, 2022
Bioactive healthy components of bulgur.
Zeynep Tacer Caba1, M Hikmet Boyacioglu, Dilek Boyacioglu
1Food Engineering Department, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Istanbul, Turkey. tacerz@itu.edu.tr
International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition
|December 6, 2011
Summary
Bulgur, a traditional Durum wheat product, is rich in beneficial components. Studies show it contains significant amounts of dietary fiber and resistant starch, contributing to its health value.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Bulgur is a staple food in Turkey and the Middle East, derived from Durum wheat.
- Understanding the nutritional composition of industrially produced bulgur is crucial for assessing its health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the levels of key healthy components in industrial bulgur samples from Turkey.
- To analyze the antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of bulgur.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of total starch, resistant starch, and dietary fiber.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for phenolic profiling.
- Antioxidant capacity was measured using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) assays.
Main Results:
- Total dietary fiber content ranged from 5.8% to 8.2%.
- Resistant starch levels were between 2.1% and 2.8%.
- Phenolic content averaged 59.5 mg Gallic acid/100 g dry matter, with moderate antioxidant activity (22.2% DPPH scavenging, 563.3 μmol TEAC/100 g ABTS scavenging).
Conclusions:
- Industrial bulgur samples possess significant amounts of dietary fiber and resistant starch.
- The phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of bulgur contribute to its overall health-promoting properties.
- Bulgur is a valuable traditional food with notable nutritional and health benefits.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Probiotics
Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...
02:35Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Like all living organisms, plants require organic and inorganic nutrients to survive, reproduce, grow and maintain homeostasis. To identify nutrients that are essential for plant functioning, researchers have leveraged a technique called hydroponics. In hydroponic culture systems, plants are grown—without soil—in water-based solutions containing nutrients. At least 17 nutrients have been identified as essential elements required by plants. Plants acquire these elements from the atmosphere, the...
01:27Mineral, Vitamin and Water Absorption
Electrolytes are essential minerals and ions primarily obtained from the diet and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Most electrolytes are absorbed in the small intestine. While the absorption of iron and calcium primarily occurs in the duodenum, calcium is also absorbed in the jejunum and ileum. In these regions, passive diffusion contributes to its absorption alongside active transport mechanisms in the duodenum. These ions can exit the enterocytes through specialized active...
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
01:18Functions of the Gut Microbiota
The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...