Exploitation of old wheat properties for prevention of human disease

Abstract

Cereals occupy an important place in the Mediterranean diet pyramid and carbohydrates derived from whole grains seem to exert a beneficial role. In this context, some ancient wheat varieties such as khorasan wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. turanicum) may offer unique nutritional and functional properties to prevent human disease. The current paper reviews specific features of dietary carbohydrates focussing the attention on khorasan wheat and its major potential health benefits once regularly introduced in the diet.