Researchers from the University of Debrecen examined the role of sweet corn in preserving health
Researchers from the University of Debrecen (DE) examined the increase in the yield of sweet corn and its role in preserving and improving human health: the four-year project, carried out in a consortium with experts from several companies and with a total cost of 1.2 billion forints, was supported with approximately 800 million forints by the National Research, Development and Innovation (NKFI) Fund – the university’s project office told MTI on Friday.
In their statement, they wrote that sweet corn is Hungary’s most important field vegetable crop, and its cultivation requires favorable ecological conditions and intensive agrotechnology. At the same time, the agronomic and economic efficiency of its cultivation has deteriorated significantly in recent years. The aim of the four-year (2021-2024) project was to develop complex technological models that would help increase the yield of sweet corn and produce quality raw materials for a market segment that plays an important role in preserving and improving human health. The project involved production plants and the teaching and research units of the University of Debrecen. The effects of different nutrient supply systems on the yield and quality of sweet corn were examined in three plants under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions, they wrote. Model experiments carried out within the framework of the project using technologies of different intensities proved that outstanding yields – 27.8-29.3 tons per hectare – could be achieved through the interactive, complex use of the project’s research results, they explained.
Based on detailed economic analyses of the results of small- and meso-plot and field experiments, it was determined that profitable sweet corn cultivation requires intensive agrotechnology, the two main elements of which are nutrient and water supply
The effects of lutein and zeaxanthin found in sweet corn were investigated in the Institute of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy of the Faculty of Medicine in the prevention and treatment of retinal damage caused by ischemia/reperfusion, age-related eye damage and other age-related diseases, such as cognitive decline, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases – the announcement reads.
Based on the preliminary analyses, five different lutein- and zeaxanthin-containing hybrids were selected
Their use as a food supplement was optimized by developing detailed protocols. During the experiments, the body weight, blood sugar level, glucose tolerance, cognitive functions, cardiovascular status and visual function of the experimental animals were monitored. The results of the research have proven that regular consumption of sweet corn with adequate content does not increase the risk of obesity or diabetes, and at the same time, its high lutein and zeaxanthin content may contribute to maintaining eye health. Ongoing molecular, histological and other studies may provide additional valuable information – the university’s statement concludes.
MTI
Related news
The Ministry of Agriculture has issued a notice on the use of ENAR data in support policy
In the case of animal-based subsidies financed from EU funds,…
Read more >Farmer-centric agricultural policy after 2027 receives unanimous support
The EU member states’ agriculture ministers have adopted Council conclusions…
Read more >Slow but steady growth in sunflower producer prices
Oil World experts expect a global sunflower seed harvest of…
Read more >Related news
The Joy of Giving! – SPAR stores collect non-perishable food for people in need
The Hungarian Maltese Charity Service and SPAR Hungary have launched…
Read more >Technological advancements and business travel
The latest research from International Workplace Group (IWG), the leading…
Read more >K&H: a gift, but what and from which store?
When it comes to Christmas gift-giving, clothes are the most…
Read more >