Whole Grains for Good Health

Are you aware about the benefits of eating whole grains? Do you know that whole grains can make us live longer? According to a research conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, whole grains (brown rice, whole grain pasta, whole oats, etc.) could help protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease. The research further revealed that the people who eat about 4 – 5 servings of whole grains in a day live longer than those who eat little or no whole grains.

The research was based on the findings conducted in the United Kingdom, the United States and Scandinavian countries during 1970 – 2010. The researchers examined the health records of almost 786,000 people and stated that, people who consumed about 70 g of whole grains a day had a 23% lower risk of heart disease, and a 20% lower risk of death from cancer, a 22% lower danger of all cause death, compared to people who ate no whole grains.

As per Dr. Qi Sun, the study’s lead author, the Harvard University, “the study further supported present dietary guidelines recommend that at least three daily servings or 48 g of whole grains to improve long-term health”. Other than heart and cancer disease, whole grains reduce the risk of stroke and Type 2 diabetes and helps in maintaining blood pressure and weight as well.

The study further revealed that, increasing a daily serving of whole grains, which is about 16 g, reduce the death rate due to cancer by 9%. It is also suggested to include 6 - 8 servings of whole grain per day in our food. Some of the best sources of whole grains are: steel-cut oats, barley, brown rice, millet, whole grain bread, etc.

Though, the research is not supported when compared with past study data as the past records didn’t confirm any consistent definition of whole grains in terms of good health. Due to this, researcher’s may extend the research to validate the theory about whole grains.

You can learn more about healthy food groups by joining Shaw Academy’s online Nutrition program. To know what their students are saying, read Shaw Academy review online.