Originally published February 21 2006
Food scientist finds whole grains protect against metabolic dysfunction and heart disease
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Dr. Nadine R. Sahyoun, assistant professor of nutrition and food science at the University of Maryland, led a study that found a daily intake of three servings of whole grains can protect older patients against metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that among 535 adults between 60 and 98 years old, those who ate more whole-grain foods were less likely to develop a group of risk factors known as metabolic syndrome or to die of cardiovascular disease over the next 12 to 15 years.
The findings, say the study authors, suggest that young and old alike should follow experts' advice to bump up their whole-grain intake to at least three servings a day.
Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar levels, and abdominal obesity, which raise a person's risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney damage.
Some research has suggested that middle-age adults can lower their risk of metabolic syndrome by favoring whole grains such as bran, oats and brown rice over highly processed grain products like white bread.
Yet, any effects of diet on metabolic risk factors may be even more evident in older adults, because with aging comes a greater susceptibility to abnormal blood sugar control, according to Sahyoun, an assistant professor of nutrition and food science at the University of Maryland in College Park.
All of the study subjects underwent a physical exam, completed a 3-day food diary to track their eating habits, and provided information on other lifestyle habits such as exercise, smoking and drinking.
Overall, the researchers found that men and women with the highest whole-grain intake -- typically three servings a day -- were less than half as likely to have metabolic syndrome as their peers who consumed less than one serving of whole grains per day.
Because the Food and Drug Administration allows products rich in whole grains to make certain health claims, many manufacturers tout their products' whole-grain content prominently.
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