Grain Products: Short and long-term benefits for health and wellbeing
article
Whole grain and cereal fibre consumption is associated with a lower risk of major chronic non communicable diseases (e.g. type 2 diabetes, CVD, cancer) and lower overall mortality. Although the epidemiological evidence is convincing, we still need more evidence from long-term intervention trials.
In addition to the well-established laxative benefits of cereal fibre, recent studies also show short-term benefits for psychological wellbeing. Wholegrain fractions with prebiotic properties, appear to be potentially important modulators of the gut microbiota with positive consequences on host health. They may also improve obesity-related metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance.
Increased consumption of whole grain foods should be recommended to the general population, irrespective of age, gender and physiological state. Furthermore, whole grain foods fit very well into the promotion of a sustainable diet. A diet high in plant-based foods, including whole grain cereals, would be associated with less environmental impact than currently consumed diets in European countries.
Denmark has demonstrated the success of a whole grain public-private partnership between the health sector, the government and industry. Well-aligned communication, product development and regulatory activities can result in a major increase of whole grain consumption. Many factors other than nutrition guidelines and health messages on products are important in influencing consumption.
In addition to the well-established laxative benefits of cereal fibre, recent studies also show short-term benefits for psychological wellbeing. Wholegrain fractions with prebiotic properties, appear to be potentially important modulators of the gut microbiota with positive consequences on host health. They may also improve obesity-related metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance.
Increased consumption of whole grain foods should be recommended to the general population, irrespective of age, gender and physiological state. Furthermore, whole grain foods fit very well into the promotion of a sustainable diet. A diet high in plant-based foods, including whole grain cereals, would be associated with less environmental impact than currently consumed diets in European countries.
Denmark has demonstrated the success of a whole grain public-private partnership between the health sector, the government and industry. Well-aligned communication, product development and regulatory activities can result in a major increase of whole grain consumption. Many factors other than nutrition guidelines and health messages on products are important in influencing consumption.
TNO Identifier
533655
Source
Complete Nutrition, 16(Febr/March), pp. 36-39.
Pages
36-39