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Innovative pulse and cereal-based food fermentations for human health and sustainable diets

Description du projet

Faire progresser la technologie de fermentation des aliments d’origine végétale pour une alimentation saine

La fermentation des aliments est un processus naturel dans lequel les composants alimentaires sont transformés par la croissance microbienne des levures, bactéries et enzymes souhaités. Il s’agit d’une technique ancienne censée favoriser la croissance des bactéries bénéfiques dans l’intestin. Les experts de l’alimentation et de la santé participant au projet HealthFerm, financé par l’UE, feront progresser les technologies de fermentation et permettront de passer des aliments fermentés traditionnels aux aliments fermentés durables à base de céréales. Ils seront riches en protéines et conçus pour offrir un maximum de bienfaits pour la santé aux consommateurs de l’UE. Pour obtenir des résultats optimaux, ils démêleront la relation entre la fermentation, le microbiome intestinal, les aliments à base de céréales et la santé. En outre, ils identifieront et utiliseront des micro-organismes appropriés dans le développement de nouvelles sources alimentaires à base de céréales et évalueront leur impact sur la santé intestinale.

Objectif

Food fermentation has been used for millennia, but our knowledge on the impact of fermented foods on human health and the possible role of gut microbiota in it is limited. Microbial consortia and fermentation processes are, hence, not designed for optimal health outcomes. At the same time, fermentation technology represents a major opportunity to increase incorporation of plant-based proteins in diets.
The multi-actor consortium HealthFerm brings together first-class researchers, food companies and dissemination partners to enable the transition from traditional to sustainable grain-based fermented foods and diets that deliver health benefits to consumers by design.
This will be achieved by (1) disentangling the interaction between food fermentation microbiomes, grain-based foods and the human gut microbiome and health and (2) using microbial resources and fermentation technology to develop healthy pulse and cereal-based food and diets that cater to the desires and needs of EU citizens.
Drawing from a community science approach, HealthFerm will identify micro-organisms and metabolic pathways that may result in desired nutritional and health effects. The impact of microbial fermentation on raw materials will be examined at the molecular level. Fermentation technology will be used in the production of grain-based liquid and (semi-)solid foods. The impact of these foods on human health and the gut microbiome will be assessed in a number of intervention trials. Consumer acceptance of fermented foods, their technologies and their role in the transition towards a more sustainable healthy diet will be studied in different social contexts. Finally, extensive ecosystem building and training activities will contribute to HealthFerm’s strong participatory approach.
Outcomes will allow increased use of grain-based materials in foods, contributing to an environment-friendly food system and a strong EU food industry, thus aligning with the EU Green Deal priorities and UN SDGs.

Coordinateur

KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Contribution nette de l'UE
€ 1 977 250,00
Adresse
OUDE MARKT 13
3000 Leuven
Belgique

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Région
Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven
Type d’activité
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Liens
Coût total
€ 1 977 250,00

Participants (20)

Partenaires (2)