A new study suggests a ancient and organic grain has antioxidant properties which protect against oxidative stress.

The research, published in Frontiers of Bioscience, showed that animals fed on the Kamut Khorasan wheat, had a better response to oxidative stress than modern wheat.

Commissioned by the wheat supplier Kamut International, the study was conducted by researchers at the Department of Food Sciences and the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Bologna in Italy.

Ancient grains and cereals have enjoyed a revival of interest in recent years, as they fit with the desire for less processed ingredients and attention to the nutritional value of foods.

From these findings, the scientists claim that the reduced risk of chronic diseases related to wholegrain consumption is attributed in part to their high antioxidant content.