Polish researcher patents zero-calorie wafers

You can eat all you want and not gain a gram, Polish academic Joanna Harasym promises of her freshly patented zero-calorie buckwheat hull wafers which are also gluten-free and rich in antioxidants.

"Because our bodies can't absorb the cellulose in buckwheat hull, the wafers are effectively calorie free, but still provide several antioxidants" which support cell health, Harasym told AFP Tuesday via telephone.

Aside from helping in weight management, Harasym explained her invention is also advantageous to diabetics and gluten-intolerant individuals as the chocolate-coloured and nutty-tasting wafers "are gluten-free and don't raise blood-sugar levels."

A researcher at the Economic University in the south-western Polish city of Wroclaw, Harasym says she is also looking into making buckwheat beer which, however, will not be calorie-free.

Native to North America and Asia, buckwheat is three-sided in shape, resembling a grain but is classified as a fruit-seed and regarded by many as a "super food" rich in minerals, antioxidants such as flavonoids and essential amino acids, key to good health but which the body cannot synthesize.

Buckwheat groats are a popular side-dish in Poland, served as an alternative to potatoes or rice.

(c) 2011 AFP