A whole-grain diet is associated with the prevention of metabolic syndromes, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Sprouting improves the nutritional profile and bioactive properties of grains, which are important for use as raw ingredients in the food industry. The aim of this review was to examine the lipid and fatty acid composition of germinated grains. The methods discussed include germination and analytical procedures for determining fat and fatty acid contents of grains. The effects of sprouting on the fat content and storage stability of grains were also assessed. Lipid levels ranged from 1.43% to 6.66% in the sprouted grains. The individual fatty acid content of grains changed depending on the germination conditions (17-37 °C, 1-9 days). Limited findings showed that sprouting grains at higher temperatures (20-25 °C) and longer times generated a healthy balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which is beneficial to humans. Future studies are needed to determine the optimum incubation and germination periods specific to each grain to improve the omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Free fatty acids were produced more slowly and levels of oxidation products were lower in sprouted grains than in the raw ingredients when stored for a year. Additional studies are required to investigate the oxidative stability and shelf life of sprouted grains.
Keywords: essential fatty acids; germination; lipids; omega-3; omega-6; sprouted grains; stability.