Whole grains, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension: Links to the aleurone preferred over indigestible fiber

Abstract

Higher whole grain cereal intakes are associated with substantially lower risks of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. These reduced risks have been established in large prospective studies that now include millions of person-years of follow-up. We analyze the results of 11 major prospective studies to provide recommendations about whole grain consumption. The following review establishes the amount of whole grains that should ideally be consumed based on prospective evidence; defines the nature of whole grains; identifies that the whole grain evidence is robust and not due to confounding; and provides a detailed assessment of several potential mechanisms for the effect of whole grains on health. We draw the following conclusions. Firstly, to maintain health, 40 grams or more of whole grains should be consumed daily. This is about a bowl of whole grain breakfast cereal daily, but 80% of the population does not achieve this. Secondly, aleurone in bran is a critical grain component generally overlooked in favor of indigestible fiber. Live aleurone cells constitute 50% of millers’ bran. They store minerals, protein, and the antioxidant ferulic acid, and are clearly more than just indigestible fiber. Finally, we suggest potential roles for magnesium, zinc, and ferulic acid in the development of chronic disease. If the results of prospective studies were applied to the life-style practices of modern societies there exists the potential for enormous personal health and public financial benefits.

Whole-grain wheat consumption reduces inflammation in a randomized controlled trial on overweight and obese subjects with unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors: role of polyphenols bound to cereal dietary fiber

“…In addition, the trend toward an inverse correlation found between urinary FA and DHFA with PAI-1 concentration suggested a role for WG FA and its gut metabolite in triggering mechanisms that may result in a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and others pathologies associated with obesity and low-grade inflammatory status (57,58).…”

Bioavailability and metabolism of phenolic compounds from wholegrain wheat and aleurone‐rich wheat bread

“…The aleurone layer is a metabolically active monolayer that is the innermost part of the bran and represents 5–8% of the wheat kernel . The aleurone layer is usually removed during milling for its firm attachment to the external integuments . However, the aleurone has a high content of fiber, protein, minerals, phytates, B vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, and folate), lipidic compounds, plant sterols, and phenolic compounds .…”

Hábitos alimentarios y estado nutricional en pacientes diabéticos con retinopatía que acuden a una Clínica Oftalmológica Privada de la ciudad de Asunción

“…Más de la mitad (58%) consumía alimentos integrales por debajo de las recomendaciones. En personas diabéticas el consumo de alimentos integrales es necesario ya que sus componentes tienen acciones muy importantes, por ejemplo, la ingesta de zinc mejora sutilmente la secreción de insulina, el ácido ferúlico defiende contra los estresores de las células beta, el magnesio mejora la acción de la insulina y el resultado es que los niveles de glucosa permanecen normales (12). Más de la mitad consumía comida casera todos los días.…”