The Contribution of Wheat to Human Nutrition and Health

Wheat provides 20% of calories globally but up to 50% in some regions. In addition to energy, it provides protein, dietary fibre, mineral micronutrients (iron, zinc and selenium), B vitamins and beneficial phytochemicals. However, grain composition varies between genotypes with strong effects of environment. In addition, beneficial components are concentrated in the embryo and outer layers which form the bran on milling. Hence their concentrations are depleted in white flour.