Fermentation of rice-bengal gram dhal blends with whey: changes in phytic acid content and in vitro digestibility of starch and protein.

Whey fermentation of various rice and bengal gram dhal blends prepared by mixing them in different proportions at 35 degrees C for 18 h brought about a significant decline in phytic acid content. Phytic acid content in various blends decreased to the extent of 23 to 36 per cent over the control values. Whey incorporation as well as fermentation improved the starch and protein digestibility (in vitro) of all the rice-bengal gram dhal mixtures. Improvement in starch and protein digestibility is related to the reduction in phytic acid content, as this antinutrient is known to inhibit amylolysis and proteolysis. A significant negative correlation found between phytic acid and digestibility of starch and protein strengthens our findings.