Healthy Hearts & Bodies with Heartstrong

Below are Some of the Key Highlights from Putting the Whole Grain Puzzle Together: Health benefits Associated with Whole Grains:

Whole Grain Dietary Intake (presented by Dr. Lisa Harnack, University of Minnesota): Despite the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations that individuals consume at least 3 servings of whole grains daily, most Americans are getting less than 1 serving of whole grains. There is an ongoing need to improve access to whole grain foods to improve whole grain consumption and to better communicate their health benefits.

Whole Grains and Weight Management (presented by Dr. Nicola McKeown, USDA-Tufts University): Diets high in whole grains have been associated with lower body weight, BMI, abdominal fat, smaller waist circumference, less weight and abdominal fat gains. Possible ways in which whole grains may play a role in weight management include: satiety effects, regulation of gut hormones and appetite, influence on glucose and insulin metabolism, modulation of gut microbiota thereby influencing energy homeostasis. Substituting whole grain foods for refined grain foods can help lower energy density, improve carbohydrate quality, increase dietary fiber and whole grain phytonutrient intake, which can play a role in body weight management.

Whole Grains and Heart Disease (presented by Dr. Chris Seal, University of Newcastle): Observational studies have consistently demonstrated the association between high whole grain intake and reduced risk of heart disease. Proposed mechanisms of action include: changes in blood lipid profiles, body weight control, improvement in vascular function, blood pressure and insulin sensitivity, changes in inflammatory status.

Whole Grains and Diabetes (presented by Dr. Simin Liu, UCLA): Observational studies have consistently demonstrated the association between high whole grain intake and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Increasing intake of refined foods that contain rapidly available carbohydrates can influence metabolic responses and increase risk of type 2 diabetes.

If you’re looking for whole grain education resources, please visit www.bellinstitute.com/wholegrain

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