Whole grain consumption linked to improved heart health

A large review of 87 randomized clinical trials involving over 6,500 participants suggests that consuming four to six servings of whole grains daily may significantly improve heart health markers. The research, published in the European Heart Journal, indicates that whole grains like oats, barley, and brown rice are linked to lower body weight, smaller waist measurements, and improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

Participants consuming these grains also showed lower levels of interleukin-6, a marker of inflammation associated with chronic heart disease. While some benefits were observed at lower amounts, the most pronounced improvements occurred at daily intakes of 60 to 100 grams of dry whole grains.