Consuming between four and six servings of wholegrain foods every day is linked to significant improvements in major cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, according to a big-scale meta-analysis published in the European Heart Journal.
The systematic review and meta-analysis integrated data from 87 randomised controlled trials involving 6,529 participants. The research demonstrated that increased wholegrain consumption is associated with reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure. It also showed improvements in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels.
The analysis further noted a reduction in interleukin-6, which serves as a key inflammatory marker. While beneficial effects were seen at daily intakes of 30g to 40g, the most pronounced health benefits occurred at levels of 60g to 100g per day, which equates to approximately four to six servings.
The research, led by Dr Helda Tutunchi of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, offers practical guidance for dietary intake. However, the team cautioned that most of the trials included in the study lasted approximately eight weeks and did not directly measure the occurrence of heart attacks or strokes.
In a related editorial, Dr Cecilie Kyrø emphasised the importance of replacing refined grains with minimally processed wholegrain foods. The editorial also called for the implementation of food policies to ensure these nutritional options are both affordable and accessible to the general population.
