doi:10.1094/CFW-60-5-0224 | VIEW ARTICLE

CFW Report

CIMMYT Series on Carbohydrates, Wheat, Grains, and Health: Carbohydrates, Grains, and Wheat in Nutrition and Health: An Overview. Part I. Role of Carbohydrates in Health1,2

Julie M.Jones,³Roberto J.Peña,³ReneeKorczak,³ and Hans J.Braun<sup>3,4

1</sup>Funded by a grant to CIMMYT from GrupoBimbo.²The data included herein are provided “as is.” CIMMYT makes no representation regarding the authenticity, suitability, accuracy, or completeness of any data contained herein. CIMMYT expressly disclaims any and all warranties, including without limitation any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall CIMMYT be liable for any actual, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or exemplary damages arising from the use and/or reliance on such data.³Global Wheat Program, CIMMYT.⁴Corresponding author. CIMMYT, Global Wheat Program, Km 45 Carretera México-Veracruz, El Batán, Texcoco, C.P. 56130, Estado de México, México. E-mail: h.j.braun@cgiar.org. Cereal Foods World 60(5):224-233.

To address many current claims that disparage and discourage the ingestion of carbohydrates (CHOs), wheat, and cereal grains, even whole grains, as well as to celebrate the versatility, nutritional and health benefits, and contribution of these foods to the world food supply, we felt compelled to defend their role in the diet and write this series of reviews. Where data exist, cereal grains and wheat as a source of CHOs and other important nutrients will be the focus. CHO-rich staple foods, including those from a wide array of whole and refined grains, are inexpensive sources of energy, protein, and other nutrients. Grain-based staple ingredients have been incorporated into an enormous variety of foods, becoming cultural icons and national dishes that are accepted by populations around the world and adapted to specific agricultural necessities and cultural preferences. Dietary guidance by health promotion bodies around the world recommends that 45–65% of total calories be from CHOs and reinforces the message that grains play an important role in the diet. Whole grains in particular are associated with decreased risk of certain chronic diseases, and consumption of an optimal mix of whole and refined grains is associated with a number of health benefits. Cereal grains provide a wide variety of nutrients, dietary fibers, and phytochemicals. This combination uniquely positions them as a source of nutrition to both sustain and nourish a global population.