Whole- and refined-grain intakes and the risk of hypertension in women.

High intake of whole grains may reduce hypertension risk in women.

This study investigated the relationship between the consumption of whole and refined grains and the prevalence of hypertension in women. Using semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires, researchers assessed the whole and refined grain intakes of 28,926 US women who were 45 years and above and did not have any history of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The relative risk of hypertension of each subject was also measured.

Researchers observed that subjects who consistently consumed large servings of whole grains had lower risk of developing of hypertension than those whose diets are low in or devoid of whole grains. According to this study, high intake of refined grains had no effect on hypertension risk. The findings of this study show that increased consumption of whole grains may reduce middle-aged and older women’s susceptibility to the development of hypertension.