Daily wholegrain intake of 60-100g linked to reduced heart disease risk

A meta-analysis of 87 clinical trials found that eating 60-100g of wholegrain per day (about four to six servings) is associated with lower body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, suggests that modest improvements across multiple risk factors could reduce long-term cardiovascular risk, though most trials lasted only eight weeks.

Bottom line — The study’s lead author says 60-100g of wholegrain per day optimises cardiovascular benefits, supporting current dietary targets.

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• The analysis included over 6,500 people from trials across Asia, Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, and Brazil, according to the study published in the European Heart Journal.
• Benefits were observed at intakes as low as 30-40g per day, but the greatest effects occurred at 60-100g, said Dr Helda Tutunchi of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.
• The study found high-certainty evidence for reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and total cholesterol, the researchers reported.
• Also lowered were levels of LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and the inflammation marker interleukin-6 (IL-6), per the study.
• Dr Cecilie Kyrø from the Danish Cancer Institute noted the findings provide 'reassuringly simple' guidance for clinicians: replacing refined grains with minimally processed wholegrains.
• Most trials had an average duration of about eight weeks, so long-term effects remain unconfirmed, the researchers acknowledged.
• The study did not directly assess cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes, so longer-term studies are needed to confirm the link, Dr Tutunchi said.

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