How Whole Grains Lower Cholesterol

Whole grains include all three parts of the grain kernel: bran, germ, and endosperm. The bran is the outer covering that protects the seed. It contains fiber, B vitamins, and minerals. The germ contains the embryo, which, if fertilized, will sprout into a new plant; it contains B vitamins, vitamin E, minerals, and some protein. Both the germ and the bran contain many phytonutrients -- health-promoting plant compounds -- including polyphenols, phytoestrogens, and antioxidants. The endosperm is the largest part of the kernel, which supplies energy to the growing seedling. It contains carbohydrate, protein, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals. When grains are refined, the bran and some of the germ are removed, leaving the starchy endosperm. Whole grains -- such as whole wheat, whole oats and oatmeal, whole rye, whole-grain barley, brown rice, and popcorn -- provide health benefits that are not found with refined grains, and they protect against heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer.

In fact, evidence suggests that eating three or more daily servings of whole-grain foods may reduce the risk of heart disease by approximately 20 to 30 percent. In a study of nearly 43,000 men, those who ate the most whole grains had an 18 percent lower risk of heart disease than those who ate the least. Eating bran made an even greater difference; the group that ate the most bran had a 30 percent lower risk of heart disease than those who didn't eat bran. In a study of more than 200 women with heart disease, those who ate six or more servings of whole grains a week had less buildup of plaque in their arteries that those who ate whole grains less often.

The way in which whole grains protect the heart is not fully understood; the fiber in whole grains may be responsible for protecting the heart. Or other compounds, such as phytoestrogens and antioxidants, may be beneficial in lowering cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Diets rich in whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of metabolic syndrome and decreased insulin resistance. The Food and Drug Administration allows manufacturers of food products that contain 51 percent or more whole grains to claim that diets rich in whole-grain and other plant foods and low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 recommends an intake of at least 3 ounces of whole grains every day, but most Americans only eat about one serving a day.

To find out more information about reducing cholesterol, see:

• Foods That Claim to Lower Cholesterol: Many foods and supplements claim that they can help lower cholesterol. But do they really work? Find the answers here.
• Can Vitamins Lower Cholesterol?: Can a vitamin regimen really help lower cholesterol? Learn just how effective vitamin therapy can be.
• Low Cholesterol Diet: Eating a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is the best way to reduce your cholesterol. Explore the dietary choices that can help you lower your cholesterol.
• How Cholesterol Works: Cholesterol is vital to human life. Learn what cholesterol is, why we need it, and how too much can be deadly.