About Us

Resources

About Wheat, Fiber & Grains

News Room

Link to Us

Press Releases

Press Images

Press Kits

Grain Talk Blog

Recipes & Photos

35th Anniversary Cookbook

Mom, the Everyday Athlete

"Just for Kids!"

Membership

Home

Recipe of the month

Dried Cranberry Oat Muffin

Print This Page

Press Releases

February 28, 2006

Contact Name:	Tracie Boruta
Contact Email:	Tracie_Boruta@chi.bm.com
Contact Phone:	312-596-3521

New Research Suggests a High Fiber, High Carbohydrate Diet Has Positive Effect on Blood Vessel Health

PARKER, Colo. (February 28, 2006) — The Wheat Foods Council released a study today that suggests meals comprised of high-fiber/carbohydrate-rich foods, including grains, may provide a long-term measure of protection against cardiovascular disease. At the same time, the study found that a single high-fat, low-carbohydrate meal could negatively affect blood vessel health in the short term.

The study, led by University of Virginia researchers Glenn A. Gaesser and David Brock, studied 10 patients with metabolic syndrome. Persons with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other diseases related to plaque build-up in their arteries, as well as type 2 diabetes. The American Heart Association estimates that more than 50 million Americans have metabolic syndrome.

On separate days and in randomized fashion, Gaesser’s subjects consumed either a low-carbohydrate or high-carbohydrate meal, representing 15 percent and 70 percent of total calories, respectively. The high-carbohydrate meal contained 19 grams of fiber (from wheat bran cereal and whole wheat bread); the low-carbohydrate meal contained less than 1 gram of fiber. Using a high-resolution ultrasound technique, changes in brachial artery dilation in response to an increase in blood flow -- an excellent barometer of blood vessel health -- were measured before and after consuming the meal.

The high-carbohydrate meal significantly improved vascular dilation capability. By contrast, the low-carbohydrate meal significantly impaired the artery’s ability to dilate. These results indicate that diets high in fiber and carbohydrates can improve blood vessel health in persons with metabolic syndrome, possibly helping to prevent cardiovascular disease.

“While additional research is needed to confirm these findings,” says Dr. Gaesser, “these data are another reason to support a grain-rich diet that is high in fiber and healthy carbohydrates, for a healthy cardiovascular system.”

The Wheat Foods Council is a nonprofit organization formed in 1972 to help increase public awareness of grains, complex carbohydrates, and fiber as essential components of a healthful diet. The Council is supported voluntarily by wheat producers, millers, bakers, and related industries.

<< Return to the Press Room Section