Scientists uncover a satisfying recipe

Published on 22/08/2012 00:05

A STOMACH-filling “anti-hunger” additive is being used to create yoghurts and smoothies that help people lose weight.

The compound is a new version of methyl cellulose, which is widely used as a binding agent in the manufacture of baked foods, sweets, snacks and ready meals.

Scientists are designing the updated ingredient, known as Satisfit-LTG, as a slimming aid that boosts the feeling of “fullness” after eating.

Dr Carsten Huettermann, from Dow Wollf Cellulosics in Bomlitz, Germany, told the American Chemical Society’s annual meeting in Philadelphia: “This ingredient would make people feel full after eating smaller amounts of food. In our first study, we saw that fewer calories were consumed at the following meal after eating our new product.”