Whole Grains & Diabetes - Study (article exerpt with link to article)

February 8, 2006

This just came across my screen from the IVU-Veg-News today. Always knew we were

eating right!

Best, Pat

" Whole grains cut diabetes, heart disease risk-study

Tue Feb 7, 2006 10:24 AM ET162

By Joanne Morrison

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Diets rich in whole grains can lower the risk

of diabetes and heart disease, according to a study released on

Tuesday.

" Results suggest a lower risk of diabetes and heart disease in persons

who consume diets high in whole grains, " said the study published in

the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Such diets would include bran, whole wheat, fruit and vegetables.

The study examined the diet records and blood samples of nearly 1,000

healthy middle-aged adults and measured levels of insulin and

hemoglobin A as an index of diabetes risk, as well as homocysteine and

cholesterol concentration to gauge coronary heart disease.

It noted that higher intake of whole grains was associated with higher

levels of physical activity, greater fruit and vegetable intake, less

smoking and lower consumption of alcohol and saturated and

monounsaturated fats.

The study's authors concluded that while there appears to be a lowered

risk of diabetes and heart disease among individuals who consume

higher levels of whole grains, the mechanism for how this works is

unclear.

However, whole grains are a rich source of fiber, minerals, vitamins

and antioxidants.

" These compounds all may have important biological functions, which as

a whole could make an important contribution to reductions in diabetes

and ischemic heart disease, " the study's authors wrote, speculating

that slower digestion is likely a key factor as well. "

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