Oats and barley grown in North may be better for heart, scientists believe

They will examine whether colder temperatures boost the amount of cholesterol-lowering lipids in the crops. The five-year study will also look at whether ancient varieties of the crops are more nutritional than modern ones.

Experts at the University of Aberdeen will compare oats and barley grown in Orkney with the same varieties grown in Dundee and Aberystwyth in Wales, to look at the effects of the growing environment.

Dr Karen Scott, from the university’s Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, said: “We believe that the colder temperatures experienced in more northerly parts of the UK may enhance the nutritional values in oats and barley.

“The reasoning behind this is linked to molecules called lipids which these crops contain more of than other cereals.

“These molecules become saturated or unsaturated during the growth cycle, depending on the conditions in which the crops are grown.

“More unsaturated lipids are formed when colder temperatures prevail... Having more unsaturated lipids in our foods is better for the health as, when ingested, these lipids lower levels of the bad cholesterol in our bodies.”