Scientists from the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute are exploring whether or not eating a specially created fruit bar could help prevent certain diseases such as Type 2 diabetes.
The Fruit Bar study has been designed to determine if eating a fruit bar rich in bilberry or apple extract could reduce the amount of sugar crossing over into the blood. The researchers will monitor changes in blood glucose and insulin.
In order to test their theory, the team led by Dr Nigel Hoggard, require volunteers to take part in the study. Those who volunteer will be asked to attend the Rowett Institute four times, and on three of those occasions, they will be asked to eat a fruit bar containing bilberry or apple extract.
Dr Hoggard said: “We are really excited about this study as it could potentially impact on the prevention of disease; however we can only find out more if we manage to recruit members of the public to help us.
“We want to see if adding certain fruit extracts to different foods can reduce the amount of sugar present in the food product that crosses over into the blood. This could be useful in maintaining healthy blood sugar and preventing the development of certain disease such as Type 2 diabetes or in developing new low GI foods.
“For this particular study, we are looking for men or postmenopausal women over the age of 40 who are overweight. Due to the fact there are several visits to the Rowett Institute, this is probably one that would appeal to people living in the north-east.
“If anyone is interested in taking part but would like more information, I would encourage them to either have a look on our study web page by visiting https://www.abdn.ac.uk/rowett/volunteer/fruit_bar_study.php email me on n.hoggard@abdn.ac.uk or call 01224 438655.”