Lantmännen Continues and Deepens Whole Grain Commitment through New Initiative Whole Grain Promotion and Research Collaborations

Lantmännen has long worked with both academia and industry to increase knowledge about whole grain. The latest examples are involvement in the newly started FullkornsFrämjandet (Whole Grain Promotion initiative) and several studies, including research collaborations with the University of Copenhagen and Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. Whole grain have also recently been highlighted through a menu with clear whole grain elements at the Nobel banquet.

Lantmännen has several collaborations to increase knowledge about whole grain, including participation in the new initiative FullkornsFrämjandet. The collaboration brings together industry, academia, authorities, civil society, and patient organisations with the aim of increasing the whole grain intake among Swedes.

Furthermore, Lantmännen has several collaborations within academia. The company recently supported research at Copenhagen University Hospital, which demonstrated the health benefits of whole grain in children. Additionally, Lantmännen's research foundation co-financed a study at Chalmers University of Technology, which, with the help of 4,500 participants, will map how humans are affected by what we eat.

According to the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, we should strive to eat at least 90 grams of whole grain every day.

"Beyond the many health effects we can see at both the group and individual levels, there is also a consideration for the raw material, and by extension, the soil it is cultivated in. The benefits of eating the entire grain kernel are well-documented," says Lovisa Martin Marais, Nutrition Manager at Lantmännen R&D.

Recently, chef Jessie Sommarström has received considerable attention for her menu at the Nobel banquet—a modern cultural porridge made from barley. A dish where whole grain play the leading role.

"It is extremely important that whole grain are highlighted more, especially in these somewhat unusual contexts. Therefore, a bowl of porridge a day is an excellent tip to share. The industry works very hard to improve public health through the foods we offer, and if the Nobel banquet can become an eye-opener for the important role of whole grain, no one is happier than us," concludes Lovisa Martin Marais.

More information

• Whole grain are entire kernels of cereals such as wheat, oats, rye, and barley. Whole grain are high in fiber, which is difficult for the body to break down, and also causes the energy from whole grain to be released more slowly, resulting in a stable blood sugar level over time.
• Whole grain have been shown to be the single most important dietary factor linked to health according to the Global Burden of Disease research collaboration, the largest and most comprehensive data collection for quantifying disease burden. Eating too little whole grain is therefore one of the greatest risk factors for developing lifestyle diseases.
• More information about whole grain and their health benefits can be found on Lantmännen's website.

For more information, please contact:

Lantmännen's Press Office
Tel: +46 10 556 88 00
E-mail: press@lantmannen.com

About Lantmännen
Lantmännen is an agricultural cooperative and Northern Europe’s leader in agriculture, machinery, bioenergy and food products. Owned by 18,000 Swedish farmers, we have 12,000 employees, operations in over 20 countries and an annual turnover of approximately SEK 70 billion. With grain at the heart of our operations, we refine arable land resources to make farming thrive. Some of our best-known food brands are AXA, Kungsörnen, Scan, GoGreen, FINN CRISP, Schulstad and Vaasan. Our company is founded on the knowledge and values acquired through generations of farmers. With research, development and operations throughout the value chain, together we take responsibility from field to fork. For more information: www.lantmannen.com