According to a new study from researchers at Louisiana State University, chances are you're not eating enough whole grains.
The study found that fewer than 1 in 20 American adults eat enough whole grains for proper health.
Less than 5 percent of the 19- to 50-year-old Americans surveyed said they ate at least three servings of whole grains daily according to the report in the October issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.
Researchers looked at survey data to assess the relationship between whole grain intake and diet quality.
Their analysis included more than 7,000 men and women between 19 and 50 years old and another 6,200 people 51 and older.
The younger group ate less than two-thirds of a serving of whole grains daily, on average, while the older people ate just over three-quarters of a serving, the researchers found.
Not surprisingly, the fraction of people who ate the most whole grains also consumed more fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals, while eating less sugar, unhealthy fat, and cholesterol.
There is ample evidence that consuming whole grains is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and even certain types of cancer. Whole grains contain more fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than those that are refined.
Wondering which whole grains you should be adding to your diet, and how to prepare them? Pick up Leslie Beck's book Foods that Fight Disease.
The study found that fewer than 1 in 20 American adults eat enough whole grains for proper health.
Less than 5 percent of the 19- to 50-year-old Americans surveyed said they ate at least three servings of whole grains daily according to the report in the October issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.
Researchers looked at survey data to assess the relationship between whole grain intake and diet quality.
Their analysis included more than 7,000 men and women between 19 and 50 years old and another 6,200 people 51 and older.
The younger group ate less than two-thirds of a serving of whole grains daily, on average, while the older people ate just over three-quarters of a serving, the researchers found.
Not surprisingly, the fraction of people who ate the most whole grains also consumed more fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals, while eating less sugar, unhealthy fat, and cholesterol.
There is ample evidence that consuming whole grains is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and even certain types of cancer. Whole grains contain more fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than those that are refined.
Wondering which whole grains you should be adding to your diet, and how to prepare them? Pick up Leslie Beck's book Foods that Fight Disease.
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.