Fw: Breaking Medical News: Whole Grains Boost Insulin Sensitivity

[Guest guest]

Forwarding this FYI:

 

 

> Whole Grains Improve Insulin Sensitivity

>

> Whole grains improve insulin sensitivity, according to a study appearing

in tomorrow's American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Insulin sensitivity is

a measure of the body's efficiency in clearing sugar from the bloodstream.

Individuals with better insulin sensitivity have reduced risk of diabetes,

heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

>

> The Insulin Resistance and Atherosclerosis Study included 978 middle-aged

adults with either normal or impaired glucose tolerance. Participants whose

diets included the most whole-grain foods--dark breads (e.g., whole wheat,

rye, pumpernickel), bran or granola cereals, and cooked cereals--had

significantly better insulin sensitivity, compared to those who tended to

skip these foods.

>

> This effect of whole grains appears to come mostly from their fiber and

magnesium. However, evidence suggests that the short-chain fatty acids

produced as grains are digested also contribute to the effect.

>

> The study is not yet on Medline. Here is the reference:

>

> Liese AD, Roach AK, Sparks KC, Marquart L, D'Agostino RB Jr., Mayer-Davis

EJ. Whole-grain intake and insulin sensitivity: the Insulin Resistance

Atherosclerosis Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;78:965-71.

>

> For information about nutrition and health, please visit www.pcrm.org.