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.
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Do Refined Grains Have a Place in a Healthy Dietary Pattern? Perspectives from an Expert Panel Consensus Meeting (October 2020)
Emerging research suggests that certain refined grains can be part of a healthy diet. A scientific expert panel reviewed studies since the 2015 Dietary Guidelines, focusing on nutrient intake, diet quality, grain enrichment/fortification, and links to weight outcomes.
Perspective: Whole and Refined Grains and Health Evidence Supporting “Make Half Your Grains Whole” (May 2020)
Dietary guidelines encourage consumers to “make half their grains whole,” yet debates continue about refined grains and grain-based foods (GBFs). This article counters misconceptions, advocating for a balanced intake of whole-grain foods (WGFs) and refined-grain foods (RGFs).
Grain Foods in US Infants Are Associated with Greater Nutrient Intakes, Improved Diet Quality and Increased Consumption of Recommended Food Groups (November 2019)
Grain foods may play an essential role in the diets of U.S. infants, according to an analysis of infant data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The study examined relationships between grain consumption, nutrient intake, diet quality, and food group consumption among infants aged 6 to 23 months.
Association between Grain Intake, Nutrient Intake, and Diet Quality of Canadians: Evidence from the Canadian Community Health Survey–Nutrition 2015 (August 2019)
Canada’s Food Guide emphasizes whole grains as the primary choice of grain products, but does higher whole-grain consumption always improve diet quality? This study analyzed nationally representative data from the Canadian Community Health Survey–Nutrition 2015 to explore the relationship between grain consumption, nutrient intake, diet quality, and obesity rates in Canadians.
Carbohydrate quality and human health: a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (February 2019)
This report analyzed data from 185 prospective studies and 58 clinical trials, representing nearly 135 million person-years, to evaluate the relationship between carbohydrate quality and health outcomes. It examined dietary fiber, whole grains, and glycemic measures in relation to non-communicable diseases.
