the grains were ground into three fractions, as flour, fine bran and bran. Semi-wholemeal was formed from flour with a particle size below 260 microns plus fine bran with a particle size between 260 microns and 1060 microns, while excluding the 5% to 7% of the bran that corresponded to the outer part of grain. Refined semolina was made using a laboratory mill (MLU 202; Bühler Brothers, Uzwill, Switzerland) with a six-roller system, three breaking and three sizing passages, and an attached semolina purifier, for a fineness range of 200 microns to 315 microns. Commercial durum wheat semolina (Barilla G. & R. Fratelli Spa, Parma, Italy) was purchased in the local market.