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03 Issues & Trends
Cereal Foods World, Vol. 64, No. 3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/CFW-64-3-0029
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Whole Grains, Health, and Sustainability1
Nicola M. McKeown2 and Timothy S. Griffin3
Tufts University, Boston, MA, U.S.A.

1 Funding: Supported in part by USDA ARS agreement No. 58-1950-4-003 and the General Mills Bell Institute of Health.

2 Nutritional Epidemiology Program at Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, 711 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111, U.S.A.; Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University,150 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, U.S.A. E-mail: nicola.mckeown@tufts.edu; Twitter: @nicolamkiely1 and @jmhnrca.

3 Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University,150 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, U.S.A.


This article is in the public domain and not copyrightable. It may be freely reprinted with customary crediting of the source. AACC International, Inc., 2019.

Abstract


Despite shifts toward increasing whole grain intake, consumption of whole grains by Americans remains low. Because whole grains can greatly improve the nutritional profile of diets, increasing whole grain intake is a potential modifiable behavior that could lead to improvements in health at both the individual and population levels. In addition, modeling of dietary patterns suggests that substantial increases in consumption of whole grains, which, unlike refined grains, retain the entire content of the kernel, would result in a decrease in the amount of land needed to meet global dietary energy and nutrition demands. To sustainably meet increased demand for grains, a “sustainable intensification” approach is required to dramatically increase yields in areas of the world where smallholder farm production is also the primary livelihood. As research exploring the mechanisms behind the observed health benefits of whole grains grows, it will be important for health professionals to focus on disseminating information to the public, with an emphasis on translating the science into actual public health practice and behavioral changes.




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