The company highlight the key benefits of BARLEYmax™ as being superior to standard grains, with proportions of beta-glucan, dietary fibre, resistant starch and protein, with a low Glycaemic load. The reduction of the risk of type 2 diabetes, strokes, obesity and certain cancers due to its high level of dietary fibre. Its wholegrain contains high levels of beta glucan that can help maintain normal cholesterol levels and as a wholegrain it can help lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease by up to 40%. Also, its resistant starch and low GI improves insulin sensitivity and reduces risk of diabetes by up to 30%. It is a rich source of antioxidants and extremely conducive to positive gut health.

Andrew Pollard, Managing Director, AB MAURI UK & Ireland, explained, "Alongside our Agriculture and Agronomy partner, Agrii, we are delighted to bring this nutritionally superior barley to the market. Its multiple-format availability makes it suitable for application within breads and bakery goods of many varieties: noodles; cereal bars and numerous other categories."

Hannah Parry, R&D Technologist at AB MAURI, referred to the consumption of wholegrains as offering a wide variety of positive health benefits. "All too often, the 'buzz' around other superfoods, follows on from inadequate research. In this case BARLEYmax™ offers well researched, proven, demonstrable benefits."