The University of North Carolina Greensboro’s research team has identified teff, an East African gluten-free grain, as possessing antioxidant benefits for human health. The team, led by Dr. Ayalew Ligaba Osena, explored the effects of Eragrostis tef extracts on human cells, publishing their findings in the Antioxidants journal. The study revealed that teff boosts glutathione, a vital antioxidant, and affects genes linked to glutathione pathways. Notably, brown teff showed greater glutathione enhancement compared to ivory teff.
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Health Advantages and Study Methods
Antioxidants are crucial for counteracting cell-damaging unstable molecules. Diets high in antioxidants are associated with decreased risks of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Dr. Osena’s laboratory used THP-1 human leukemia monocytic cells for their research, offering a more physiologically pertinent model for human health studies.
Support and Future Research
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and UNCG. Dr. Osena’s lab, bolstered by a substantial NIH grant, is currently examining 85 brown teff varieties to identify those with superior antioxidant properties. The lab aims to isolate genes to enhance antioxidant traits in teff and other crops, like rice.
Teff’s Increasing Popularity and Collaborative Efforts
Teff, which is gaining traction among consumers seeking nutritious, gluten-free options, is cultivated in the U.S. for animal feed, with its flour being imported for human consumption. Dr. Osena anticipates a rise in teff consumption alongside gluten-free diets. The research was a collaborative effort involving expertise in plant molecular biology, chemistry, and molecular toxicology, fostering significant undergraduate and graduate student involvement.
Student Participation and Long-Term Aspirations
Among the paper’s authors were undergraduate researchers, including Christopher Cotter and Eric Whisnant, who have gained invaluable experience and recognition through their involvement. Whisnant, an aspiring biologist, credits his work in Dr. Osena’s lab, partially funded by a UNCG award, as crucial for his academic development.
Dr. Osena, with his background in Ethiopian teff farming, is dedicated to understanding teff’s genetic traits, such as nutritional value, antioxidant properties, and resilience. His ultimate goal is to apply these findings to assist farmers in the U.S. and Africa.
The study, supported by the NIH, UNCG, and an undergraduate research award, provides a promising outlook on the potential health benefits and agricultural applications of teff.
Reference: Cotter, C.J., et al. (2023). “Evaluating the Antioxidant Properties of the Ancient-Crop Tef (Eragrostis tef) Grain Extracts in THP-1 Monocytes.” Antioxidants. DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081561.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Teff Antioxidants
What is teff and why is it significant?
Teff is a gluten-free grain native to East Africa, known for its nutritional benefits. Recent research at UNC Greensboro has discovered that teff has antioxidant properties, which are beneficial for human health.
How does teff affect human health?
Teff has been found to increase levels of glutathione, a key antioxidant in the human body. This can help in reducing cell damage and is linked to reduced risks of diseases like cancer and cardiovascular problems.
What was the methodology of the teff research?
The research involved studying the impact of Eragrostis tef extracts on human cells, particularly focusing on THP-1 human leukemia monocytic cells. This approach provided a more relevant insight into the effects of teff on human health.
What are the future research directions for teff?
Future research, supported by a new NIH grant, will focus on identifying teff varieties with the highest antioxidant properties and isolating genes to engineer these properties in teff and other crops.
What is the significance of teff in diets?
Teff is gaining popularity, especially among people seeking nutritious, gluten-free grains. Its increased consumption is anticipated to align with the rising trend of gluten-free diets.
How does this research involve student participation?
The research provided opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, including authorship in the published study, offering them valuable experience and recognition in the scientific community.
What are the long-term goals of teff research?
Long-term, the research aims to understand teff’s genetic traits for nutritional quality and antioxidant properties, potentially aiding farmers in the U.S. and Africa with improved crop varieties.
More about Teff Antioxidants
- Antioxidant Properties of Teff
- Health Benefits of Gluten-Free Grains
- Teff Research at UNC Greensboro
- NIH Funding for Agricultural Research
- Gluten-Free Diet Trends and Teff
- Student Involvement in Scientific Research
- Genetic Engineering in Crop Improvement
