More evidence for diabetes and CVD protection by whole grains.

By Stephen Daniells

- Last updated on GMT

Eating a diet rich in whole grains, a rich source of bran, fibre,
minerals and vitamins, could reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes and
heart disease, claims a new study that adds to a growing body of
evidence on the subject.

The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition​ (vol. 83, pp. 275-283), adds to the number of observational studies linking whole grains to lower risks of the diseases - news that has already been grasped by cereal makers as the number of wholegrain products look set to rise.

Sales of whole grains products in the US have increased following recommendations of the health benefits in the USDA's new Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

In Europe, the Healthgrain Integrated Project was recently launched to identify new sources of nutritionally enhanced grain, as well as to develop methods to make cereal products more appealing to consumers.

The joint Danish-American cross-sectional study analysed diet records, assessed by a 131-item food frequency questionnaire, and took blood analyses of 468 men and 473 women.

The researchers measured intake of whole grains, bran and germ to markers of glycemic control, blood lipids, cholesterol, and inflammation.

"Compared with participants in the bottom quintile [lowest intake group], participants in the highest quintile had 17, 14, 14 and 11 per cent lower concentrations of homocysteine, insulin, C-peptide, and leptin, respectively,"​ wrote lead author Majken Jensen from Aarhus University Hospital and Harvard School of Public Health.

"Inverse associations were also observed with total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and LDL (bad) cholesterol,"​ reported Jensen.

No link was observed between the intake of whole grains and markers of inflammation, however.

Although, the limitations of using food frequency questionnaires have been well noted, the researchers are confident with their conclusions: "The results suggest a lower risk of diabetes and heart disease in persons who consume diets high in whole grains."

An estimated 19 million people are affected by diabetes in the EU 25, equal to four per cent of the total population. This figure is projected to increase to 26 million by 2030.

In the US, there are over 20 million people with diabetes, equal to seven per cent of the population. The total costs are thought to be as much as $132 billion, according to 2002 American Diabetes Association figures.

CVD causes almost 50 per cent of deaths in Europe, and is reported to cost the EU economy an estimated €169 billion ($202 billion) per year. According to the American Heart Association, 34.2 percent of Americans (70.1 million people) suffered from some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 2002.

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Dynamic Duo - More Power, Less Fatigue

Dynamic Duo - More Power, Less Fatigue

Content provided by Enovate Biolife LLC | 27-Jun-2024 | White Paper

Better physical performance & vitality have deep connections to muscular as well as cardio-respiratory health.

Nextida: Precision where it matters

Nextida: Precision where it matters

Content provided by Rousselot | 01-Jun-2024 | Product Brochure

NEXTIDA™ is an innovative platform of specific collagen peptide compositions with new targeted health benefits. Built and backed by science, Nextida stands...

Omega-3:Nutrition and Application Insight

Omega-3:Nutrition and Application Insight

Content provided by Cabio Biotech (Wuhan) Co., Ltd | 31-Jul-2023 | White Paper

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have numerous positive health benefits and are among the most extensively studied micronutrients....

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars