Meta-Analysis Ties 4-6 Whole-Grain Servings to Better Heart Markers in 6,500 People
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 27
Meta-Analysis Ties 4-6 Whole-Grain Servings to Better Heart Markers in 6,500 People
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 27
Summary
Four to six daily servings of whole grains delivered the strongest gains in cardiovascular risk markers, with benefits clustering at about 60 to 100 grams a day.
The European Heart Journalmeta-analysis pooled 87 randomized trials and found lower body weight, waist size, blood pressure, total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose and interleukin-6 among higher whole-grain consumers.
Researchers said the effect appears to come from several modest improvements working together rather than one large change in a single measure, but most trials were short and did not track heart attacks or strokes.
The intake linked to the biggest benefits exceeds the 2 to 4 servings in current U.S. dietary guidelines, and dietitians advised gradual swaps such as oatmeal, whole-grain bread and brown rice while checking labels for true whole grains.
An accompanying editorial urged policies that keep minimally processed whole-grain staples affordable and accessible without pushing consumers toward ultra-processed products.