Whole Grains Slim the Belly and the Chance of Heart Disease

Diabetes, heart disease and stroke are all major concerns for people who are obese and consuming whole grains may help reduce these risks.

Cutting calories is one way to lower the overall body weight and thus reduce the chances of getting diabetes, heart disease or having a stroke. But, weight is not the only concern. CRP or c-reactive protein levels in the blood are elevated in many obese patients. C-reactive protein is produced by the liver. The level of CRP rises when there is body-wide (systemic) inflammation. Reducing CRP requires more than just losing weight, it requires eating whole grains.

In a study of 50 obese men who had been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (a group of risk factors for diabetes, heart disease and stroke) were told to reduce their caloric intake for 12 weeks. One half of the study group focused on eating whole grains and unprocessed grains in their daily diets, while the other half simply reduced overall calories.

By the end of the study, the average weight loss for both groups was between 8 and 11 pounds and the weight sizes were nearly identical. But, the total amount of fat held around the mid section was less in the men who ate a whole grain rich diet. And, the CRP levels were reduced by 38%.

The exact reason why whole grain foods are better for the body remains a mystery. Some researchers believe it could be linked to the higher levels of fiber in whole grain foods as opposed to highly processed foods. Others believe the higher levels of anti-oxidants in foods that remained barely processed should be given credit for the positive body outcome.

No matter the true reason, the fact remains that whole grain foods are better for reducing weight and the risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. When looking for whole grain products, the first ingredient on the label should read “whole grains”.

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