Whole grains may boost heart health

Eating whole grains every day may help improve heart health and reduce waist size according to a new study.

Researchers found that consuming around 48 grams of whole grains daily was linked to several heart health benefits. This amount is roughly equal to two large slices of whole grain bread or one bowl of oatmeal.

The researchers reviewed existing studies on whole grains and heart health including 87 clinical trials.

Whole grains are foods that keep all the main parts of the grain including the bran, germ and endosperm.

Foods such as whole grain or brown bread oats whole wheat pasta and brown rice are common sources of whole grains. In comparison white rice and regular pasta contain fewer whole grain components.

The study found that people consuming about 48 grams of whole grains a day showed signs of better heart health.

However the benefits appeared to be greater among those consuming 60 to 100 grams per day which is roughly equal to four large slices of whole grain bread.

At these higher amounts researchers observed greater reductions in blood pressure LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and harmful blood fats.

Experts say adding whole grains to the daily diet can be one part of an overall healthy eating pattern that supports heart health.