A whole grain, also called a wholegrain, is a grain of any cereal and pseudocereal that contains the endosperm, germ, and bran, in contrast to refined grains, which retain only the endosperm. As part of a general healthy diet, consumption of whole grains is associated with lower risk of several diseases.

Whole grains are a category of cereal foods in which the grain is intact or the constituents are present in proportions that represent the intact grain. The consumption of whole grains as opposed to refined grains, which contain the endosperm starch primarily, is recommended in dietary guidelines internationally1,6,7 due to the strong nutritional profile of the bran and germ, which contain protein, dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc, iron, iodine, folate, niacin, and vitamin E.8 Whole grains are also an important source of phytochemicals and antioxidants, such as phenols, flavonoids, zeaxanthin, lutein, and b-cryptoxanthin, and provide additional health benefits, such as reduced risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, beyond the consumption of essential nutrients.

Observational data have established a link between the consumption of whole grains and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease however, there is a need to review interventional research . To bridge this gap, researchers undertook to determine whether interventions providing whole grain or whole pseudo-grain for dietary consumption improved CVD-related outcomes compared with refined grain or placebo in adults with or without chronic disease and/ or associated risk factors.

All types of grains are good sources of complex carbohydrates and some key vitamins and minerals, but whole grains the healthiest kinds of grains in particular are an important part of a healthy diet.Grains are naturally high in fiber, helping you feel full and satisfied which makes it easier to maintain a healthy body weight. Whole grains are also linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and other health problems.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that at least half of all the grains you eat are whole grains. If you're like most people, you're not getting enough whole grains so see how to make whole grains a part of your healthy diet.Consuming whole grains as opposed to refined grains can improve total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, and C-reactive protein, adults with or without CVD risk factors,suggests a new study.

"Further interventional research is needed to better understand the preventive and treatment potential of wholegrain and whole pseudo-grain dietary intake for CVD, particularly among those with existing CVD risk factors."wrote the team.

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