The major constituents of rye (Secale cerealeL.) flour and their role in the production of rye bread, a food product to which a multitude of health aspects are ascribed

Background Rye (Secale cerealeL.) is, second to wheat (Triticum aestivumL.), the most common cereal used for producing bread. Rye-based breads are of great interest because of their high dietary fiber and lysine contents and because of their health effects. However, the bread-making performance of rye flour is inferior to that of wheat flour. Findings This review summarizes the current knowledge about the major rye constituents (starch, proteins, and arabinoxylans), their role during bread making, and the potential health implications of rye bread consumption. Rye proteins play only a minor role during bread making, but their exact role remains insufficiently explored. In contrast to wheat proteins, they lack the ability to form a network with good gas-retaining properties. The rye bread crumb structure is partly attributed to its starch and arabinoxylan polysaccharides. Both bind a lot of water, form networks, and bring about the rye bread structure. Conclusions Nevertheless, a better understanding of the role of rye starch, proteins, and arabinoxylans, their interactions, and their impact on dough structure or product quality still needs further exploration. In terms of health effects, EFSA has acknowledged that rye fiber contributes to normal bowel function. There are also indications that rye bread consumption has a number of positive effects such as reducing the risk of colon cancer and hunger feelings and cholesterol-lowering effects. However, although beneficial health effects of rye-bread consumption are shown, more research is needed. Significance and novelty A literature search with the terms "rye" and "review" in Web of Science in April 2020 resulted in only six manuscripts. Therefore, this review summarizes the current knowledge about the major rye constituents (starch, proteins, and arabinoxylans), their role during bread making, and the potential health implications of rye bread consumption.