Slashdot Mirror
Scientists Successfully Decode the Genome of Quinoa (bbc.com)
Gr8Apes writes: Scientists have successfully decoded the genome of quinoa, a hugely popular "super-food" because it is well balanced and gluten-free. They have pinpointed one of the genes that they believe control the production of saponins (bitter toxic compounds that protect the plant from predators) which can facilitate the breeding of plants without saponins, resulting in sweeter seeds without having to process them. The scientists also believe that the genetic understanding now gained will allow them to breed shorter, stockier plants that don't fall over as easily, and that these benefits could be gained without the use of genetic modification. Furthermore, the researchers believe the genetic code will rapidly lead to more productive varieties that will push down costs. "We need the price of quinoa to go down by a factor of five," said project leader Professor Mark Tester, from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. "If we get to a similar price to wheat it can be used in processing and in bread making and in many other foods and products. It has the chance to truly add to current world food production." The study has been published in the journal Nature.
quinoa, a hugely popular "super-food" because it is well balanced and gluten-free
Seriously, wtf? When and why did gluten become an evil boogeyman?
Because you cant sell bullshit without first providing the bull.
The alleged problem with gluten is that it's a carborhydrate and the current dieting fad is low carb diets. Of course there is nothing wrong with carbs being eaten in a suitable amount, but not in excess (much the same as fats, sugars, salt or whaterver the next craze is). The real problem with Gluten is that it gives marketers a new demon to sell to people with fewer than 2 brain cells. After all the previous great satans of sugar, salt and fat just aren't shifting overpriced proucts any more.
There is no such thing as a "super-food" and arsenic, polonium and bleach are all gluten free. Never trust buzzwords.
And whilst we're on the subject, organic food is any food that contains organic molecules.
Calling someone a "hater" only means you can not rationally rebut their argument.
No, people in the countries that produce these foods cannot afford to eat them.
If growing those foods isn't helping them, they should stop doing it.