Study finds a diet with more fiber and whole grains may mean a lower risk of death and disease

5years ago

According to a new study commissioned by the World Health Organization, a diet containing more fiber and whole grains could reduce the risk of death and illness.

The researchers noted that people who consumed more dietary fiber and whole grains had lower rates of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, than those with low fiber and whole grain diets.

Diets high in fiber were associated with a 15 to 31% reduction in the risk of death and illness. This means 13 fewer deaths and six fewer cases of coronary heart disease per 1000 study participants.

People with high whole grain diets experienced similar benefits, with a 13- to 33-percent reduction in risk, resulting in 26 deaths and seven fewer coronary heart disease cases.

The study, published Thursday in the Lancet medical journal and peer reviewed, recommends consuming at least 25 to 29 grams of dietary fiber a day to achieve these health benefits. Higher holds can produce more benefits.