Can whole grains help whittle your waist?
News briefs
A study published online July 13, 2021, by The Journal of Nutrition suggests that replacing refined grains (like white bread or pasta) with whole grains (like whole wheat or quinoa) may help you control your waist size and more. Researchers analyzed the health data of more than 3,100 middle-aged and older people who underwent medical exams and answered questionnaires every four years over an 18-year period. Those who ate at least three servings of whole grains per day gained just half an inch in their waistlines every four years; people who ate less than half a serving of whole grains per day gained about an inch in their waistlines every four years. People who ate the most whole grains also had the smallest increases in blood pressure and blood sugar over time.
Image: © tomozina/Getty ImagesAbout the Author
Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
