May 18, 2010 – Regular consumption of whole grain cereals is believed to help reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes. Cardiovascular disorders are the leading cause of death in diabetics.
This is indicated by the results of an epidemiological study1 conducted over 26 years among 7,822 American women suffering from type 2 diabetes. Throughout the observation period, the participants regularly answered questionnaires aimed at analyzing in detail their diet: the nature, composition and quantity of food consumed.
The results indicate that the death rate associated with cardiovascular disorders fell by 35% among participants who ate the most whole grains compared to those who ate the least. Among those who consumed the most foods fortified with bran, the number of cardiovascular deaths decreased by 65%. As for the risk of dying prematurely from “all causes”, it was reduced by 28%.
Whole grain cereals are rich in various fibers, especially bran. The latter fiber is generally removed from commercial cereals, except when it is specified that it is a “whole grain” cereal. There are also foods that are fortified with bran.
Researchers believe that grain fibers, primarily bran, and the various phytonutrients they contain help control blood sugar levels and maintain the integrity of the inner lining of blood vessels.
Pierre Lefrançois – PasseportSanté.net
1. He M, van Dam RM, et al. Whole-Grain, Cereal Fiber, Bran, and Germ Intake and the Risks of All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease-Specific Mortality Among Women With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Circulation. 2010 May 10.
