This commentary from Glenn Gaesser, PhD. explores the association between refined grain consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Current U.S. dietary guidelines recommend replacing refined grains with whole grains due to the recognized benefits of whole grains for reducing chronic disease risks.
carbohydrates
Perspective: Does Glycemic Index Matter for Weight Loss and Obesity Prevention? Examination of the Evidence on “Fast” Compared with “Slow” Carbs (November 2021)
The glycemic index (GI) categorizes carbohydrates as “fast” (high-GI) or “slow” (low-GI) based on their impact on blood sugar levels. This review assessed whether dietary GI influences body weight and obesity risk using data from observational studies and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Low carbohydrate diets may increase risk of neural tube defects (January 2018)
Folic acid fortification has significantly reduced neural tube defects (NTDs) in the U.S., but the rise of low-carbohydrate diets raises concerns about adequate folic acid intake among women avoiding fortified foods.
CIMMYT Series on Carbohydrates, Wheat, Grains, and Health: Part 3 Their Relation to Digestion, Digestive Disorders, Blood Glucose, and Inflammation (February 2016)
The final installment in this series examines how carbohydrates (CHOs), grains, and whole grains affect digestion, gut health, and chronic diseases. It explores their influence on the microbiome, glycemic response, inflammation, and immune function, while addressing gluten-related disorders such as celiac disease.
Prebiotic consumption and the incidence of overweight in a Mediterranean cohort: the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra Project (December 2015)
Prebiotics, including fermentable and nondigestible carbohydrates like fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), are believed to positively influence weight regulation by improving gut health. However, their role in preventing overweight or obesity has been underexplored in longitudinal studies. This study investigated the association between prebiotic intake and overweight incidence in a cohort of middle-aged Spanish university graduates.
CIMMYT Series on Carbohydrates, Wheat, Grains, and Health: Part 2Grain Terminology and Nutritional Contributions (December 2015)
This second installment in the CIMMYT series focuses on the nutritional contributions of grain- and wheat-based staples, highlighting their role in balanced diets. It defines key grain-related terms, dietary fiber, and resistant starch to clarify consumer confusion across countries.
