Greater whole grain intake is associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and weight gain.

High intakes of whole grains and dietary fibers may confer significant protection against the development of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

This research work evaluated the association between the consumption of whole grains and dietary fiber and weight gain, cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, and metabolic risk factors. Researchers analyzed data obtained from 45 prospective cohort studies and 21 randomized-controlled trials conducted between 1966 and 2012.

Researchers discovered a lower prevalence of CVD, type 2 diabetes, and excessive weight gain among frequent consumers (3-5 servings per day) of dietary fibers and whole grains compared to rare- and non-consumers. Groups fed with whole grains were also found to have lower plasma levels of fasting blood glucose, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and total cholesterol than other groups in the 21 randomized-controlled trials. The results of this meta-analysis show that significant reduction in CVD, obesity, and type 2 diabetes risks is associated with high consumption of dietary fibers and whole grains.