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03 Issues & Trends
Cereal Foods World, Vol. 64, No. 3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/CFW-64-3-0031
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Whole Grains and Cardiovascular Health1
Caleigh Sawicki,2 Kara A. Livingston,3 and Nicola M. McKeown4
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 and Nutrition.

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

3 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. Tel: +1.617.556.3354; E-mail: kara.livingston@tufts.edu

4 Corresponding author. 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. Tel: +1.617.556.3008; E-mail: nicola.mckeown@tufts.edu; Twitter: @nicolamkiely1 and @jmhnrca.


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


Whole grains are part of a healthy dietary pattern, and increasing intake of whole grain foods is one modifiable dietary risk factor that may contribute to lower cardiovascular disease risk. Evidence from meta-analyses of both observational studies and randomized controlled trials support the recommendation to increase whole grain intake to >3 servings/day. Several mechanisms exist whereby the substitution of refined grains with whole grains will lead to a decrease in cardiovascular disease risk, such as contributing to weight loss or maintenance, improving blood lipids, and lowering blood pressure. This review highlights some of the emerging research linking higher whole grain intake to improved health.




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