Markers of cardiovascular risk are not changed by increased whole-grain intake

[Rasputin]

http://journals.cambridge.org/action...07114510000644

Abstract

Recommendations for whole-grain (WG) intake are based on observational studies showing that higher WG consumption is associated with reduced CVD risk. No large-scale, randomised, controlled dietary intervention studies have investigated the effects on CVD risk markers of substituting WG in place of refined grains in the diets of non-WG consumers. A total of 316 participants (aged 18–65 years; BMI>25 kg/m2) consuming < 30 g WG/d were randomly assigned to three groups: control (no dietary change), intervention 1 (60 g WG/d for 16 weeks) and intervention 2 (60 g WG/d for 8 weeks followed by 120 g WG/d for 8 weeks). Markers of CVD risk, measured at 0 (baseline), 8 and 16 weeks, were: BMI, percentage body fat, waist circumference; fasting plasma lipid profile, glucose and insulin; and indicators of inflammatory, coagulation, and endothelial function. Differences between study groups were compared using a random intercepts model with time and WG intake as factors. Although reported WG intake was significantly increased among intervention groups, and demonstrated good participant compliance, there were no significant differences in any markers of CVD risk between groups. A period of 4 months may be insufficient to change the lifelong disease trajectory associated with CVD. The lack of impact of increasing WG consumption on CVD risk markers implies that public health messages may need to be clarified to consider the source of WG and/or other diet and lifestyle factors linked to the benefits of whole-grain consumption seen in observational studies.

They kept the macronutrient ratios the same and replaced processed grains in the diet with whole grains. No change in risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

One of these days they will randomize in a fourth group in the same study where they keep the calories the same but remove grains entirely.

I guess that would just make too much sense.

[Mekugi]

They kept the macronutrient ratios the same and replaced processed grains in the diet with whole grains. No change in risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

What about brown rice? My families diet is entirely rice-based. It's almost impossible to avoid here.

[Rasputin]

What about brown rice? My families diet is entirely rice-based. It's almost impossible to avoid here.

The study did not mention exactly which grains they used for their test subjects.

A thought:

Buy a glucose test kit. They aren't terribly expensive (the test strips are where the cost is, and you won't be using as many as a diabetic would). Take a baseline in the morning after you get up but before you eat anything, then test an hour after your meals, noting what each meal is and what your results are. A result of 100+ is considered mildly atherogenic and possibly leading to diabetes. 150+ 1hour post certainly so.

It's hard to make an informed decision without good data.

[Mekugi]

The study did not mention exactly which grains they used for their test subjects.

A thought:

Buy a glucose test kit. They aren't terribly expensive (the test strips are where the cost is, and you won't be using as many as a diabetic would). Take a baseline in the morning after you get up but before you eat anything, then test an hour after your meals, noting what each meal is and what your results are. A result of 100+ is considered mildly atherogenic and possibly leading to diabetes. 150+ 1hour post certainly so.

It's hard to make an informed decision without good data.

OK...I.m gonna check the availability in Japan- or if they are cheaper to just to get them from my aunt (who is diabetic). I am really concerned about what I have been reading the past few days after finally watching Fat Head. This stuff is finally getting through to me.

[Rasputin]

OK...I.m gonna check the availability in Japan- or if they are cheaper to just to get them from my aunt (who is diabetic). I am really concerned about what I have been reading the past few days after finally watching Fat Head. This stuff is finally getting through to me.

It's not all bad news. The good news is there is a lot which can be done, pretty inexpensively (especially compared to medications which only treat symptoms) to intervene before things go around the bend.

PM me your email address and I will send you my info pack with enough information to truly cover the bases.

In the meantime, stick to more fatty fish and meat and whenever possible choose vegetables (including pickled) over rice. Avoid sugar. That will take care of much of the problem.