Shakerela Health Design

Today's news shows that research continues to support the consumption of whole grains in the diet for healthy cholesterol.

When most grains liike WHEAT are processed, they are filtered so that much of the nutrients are extracted. Even many vitamins and minerals are taken out to create an easily packed FLOUR. Often the fiber and nutrients are taken out, so now food producers are looking towards providing Whole Grain foods which are closer to the natural grain when it's first harvested.

A group in Italy showed that whole grains are good for controlling cholesterol levels when compared with Refined Grains, according to new findings published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.

The study adds to the ever-growing body of science supporting the benefits of wholegrain consumption for heart health, which have already led the FDA to permit foods containing at least 51 percent whole grains by weight and are low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol to carry a health claim linking them to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

At the end of the study, total and LDL cholesterol levels were 4.3 and 4.9 percent lower following consumption of the wholemeal diet, compared to the refined wheat diet, said the researchers.

“In conclusion, our study demonstrates that consumption of wholemeal wheat foods compared to similar refined foods is able to improve fasting cholesterol levels; conversely this type of diet does not influence glucose and insulin metabolism, antioxidant status or markers of inflammation,” they concluded.

The researchers were affiliated with Italy’s National Research Council (CNR), Federico II University (Naples), Barilla G&R F.lli. SpA (Parma), and the University of Parma.

Source: Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases
Published online ahead of print, 9 June 2009, doi:
“Effects of the regular consumption of wholemeal wheat foods on cardiovascular risk factors in healthy people”
Authors: R. Giacco, G. Clemente, D. Cipriano, D. Luongo, D. Viscovo, L. Patti, L. Di Marino, A. Giacco, D. Naviglio, M.A. Bianchi, R. Ciati, F. Brighenti, A.A. Rivellese, G. Riccardi

Dr. Luigi