Dietary guidelines emphasize the importance of whole grains, but if that’s not reason enough to get you eating them, maybe this is: In a Harvard School of Public Health study of 42,850 men, those who ate more than 25 grams of whole grains per day cut their risk of heart disease by about 15 per cent. Those who daily ate more than 11 grams of bran, the highest fiber part of whole grains, cut their risk by 30 per cent. Good sources include brown rice, oatmeal, whole bread, popcorn and bran muffins.
The researchers are still trying to figure out how whole grains help the heart. It could be that fiber, plant sterols or other nutrients lower cholesterol. Or it may be the antioxidants, which help protect against hardening of the arteries. Perhaps it's the simple fact that eating them keeps you feeling full and thus may help prevent obesity. A risk factor for heart disease. Three servings of whole grains will easily get you 25 grams. Live long and prosper
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