MALT & MALT EXTRACT

Written by Slawomir (“Swavak”) Gromadzki, MPH

MALT

Malt is basically sprouted barley, or can be defined as dried germinated barley. Although malt is usually made from barley, other grains can also be used.

Malt is rich in various nutrients including very beneficial Beta glucan – a glucose polymer typically found in the endosperm of barley and also malt. Certain amount of beta glucans should be also found in the malt extract.

During malting levels of vitamin B9 (folate) can increase up to 4mg/kg. Just 100g of malt provides approximately 44% of both vitamins B1 (thiamine) and B6 (pyridoxine), 34% of vitamin B2 (riboflavin), 88% of niacin and 80% of vitamin E and in excess of 100% the vitamin B9 (folate) requirement.

MALT EXTRACT

Malt extract is the concentrated water extract of malted barley. Malt extract has relatively low sweetness and unique flavour.  Malt extract is used as a sweetener with flavour and nutritional properties. It has roughly half the sweetness of sugar and therefore can be used in food applications where too much sweetness is undesirable.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF MALT & MALT EXTRACT

– Sweetener with nutritional value: Unlike sugar, Malt extract does not contain empty calories. Because it is extracted from whole barley (or sometimes from other grains) it is a source of various beneficial nutrients including vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, essential amino acids, glucans, or soluble fibre. In addition, malt extract has also a significantly lower glycaemic index than sugar.

– Athletic Recovery:  Athletes are increasingly relying on malt extract-based beverages to replenish and recover.

– Mood: Malt extract contains Hordenine, a naturally occurring compound that has been shown to activate the dopamine D2 receptor, the brain’s reward centre, which causes this “feel-good” effect. It has also been reported to sharpen mental focus and boost energy levels.

– Digestive Health: Malt extract can benefit gut health because it is a rich source of soluble fibre, which is an excellent prebiotic and helps improve digestion by optimizing good bacteria and helping reduce number of bad bacteria.

– Heart Health: Barley Malt is rich in soluble fibre (small amount of this fibre is also found in malt Extract) which helps reduce the risk of heart problems by lowering bad cholesterol. It also contains potassium, folate, and vitamin B6 that are also known to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.

– Diabetes: Fibre found in barley and barley malt helps regulate blood glucose levels.

– Antioxidants: Some sources suggest that Malt extract can be 5 times higher in antioxidant power than fresh broccoli and may have nearly 50 percent more antioxidants than blueberries. It is an abundant source of dietary silica which supports blood vessels, skin, hair, nails, connective tissue or bones.

PRECAUTIONS

Despite the many potential benefits and the fact that Malt and Malt Extract are much better choice than refined sugar or artificial sweeteners, it’s important to keep in mind that malt can still be considered an added sugar, which, like honey, can be harmful if consumed in high amounts. There’s also limited research on how it may impact blood sugar levels. Malt and malt extract are much better choices than Maltose (the main type of sugar found in malt and malt extract), which may have a similar effect on blood sugar levels as regular sugar.

Also, make sure that Malt and Malt Extract you want to use are made from barley and not wheat.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT OF MALTED BARLEY

Typical values  per 100g

Energy  300 – 330 kcal   1250 – 1375 kJ

Protein (N x 6.25)             10.2 – 11.8 g

Carbohydrate    78 – 82 g

of which     Sugars            7.5 – 8.5 g

Starch   71 – 73 g

Fat          1.8 – 2.7 g

of which  Saturates         0.4 – 0.6 g

Monounsaturates           0.15 – 0.25 g

Polyunsaturates               1.2 – 1.6 g

Dietary Fibre     10.5 – 13.0 g

Cholesterol         0.8 – 3.5 mg

Sodium                 2 – 12 mg

Vitamin A            0 mg

Vitamin C             0.2 – 1.0 mg

Vitamin E             0.5 – 1.0 mg

Vitamin K             1.5 – 2.5 µg

Thiamin                0.2 – 0.4 mg

Riboflavin            0.15 – 0.4 mg

Niacin           5 – 12 mg

Vitamin B6          0.2 – 0.7 mg

Vitamin B9 (folate)          30- 40 µg

Vitamin B12        0 – 0.7µg

Pantothenic acid              0.1 – 0.3 mg

Iron        3 – 5 mg

ß carotene          2 – 8µg

Calcium                35 – 60 mg

Magnesium        90 – 100 mg

Phosphorus        250 – 350 mg

Potassium           250 – 400 mg

Zinc        2 – 3 mg

Copper 0.2 –0.4 mg

Manganese        1.0 – 1.5 mg

Selenium             35 – 40 µg

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT OF MALT EXTRACT

Per 100g Serving:

Energy 310kcal / 1330kJ

Protein                 5g

Carbohydrate    73g

of which sugars                 43g

Fibre    1. 5g

Sodium   10.5g

 

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