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Another Reason to Eat Whole Grains?

Periodontitis is a disease affecting the gums that can result in the loss of bone surrounding the teeth. The disease is exacerbated by diabetes. A new study points to the reduced risk of periodontitis - due to the benefits of whole grain foods

34,000 men were surveyed over a 14 year period (see AJCN abstract).

Those who reported eating the most brown rice, dark breads, popcorn and other whole grains (about three servings per day) were 23 percent less likely to develop periodontitis than those who reported eating less than one daily serving of whole grains. (reuters)

Unsurprisingly those who ate this level of whole grains were also less likely to smoke, more inclined to engage in exercise, and ate more fruits, vegetables, and nuts. The study findings were apparently adjusted to take these factors into account.

I wonder if this points more to a reduced intake of refined grains rather than being directly caused by more whole grains. Anyone that is looking after the diet and health will have learnt to reduce overall intake of added sugars and sugary food.

The study conclusion is this: "Increasing whole grain in the diet without increasing total energy intake may reduce periodontitis risk". However in order to increase whole grains without increasing total energy intake - something has to go!

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8 Comments

jj

I think you're right about the refined carbohydrates vs. whole grains issue. It's not just sugar. Just comparing say a saltine cracker and a spoonful of cooked oatmeal... the saltine turns into a white goo that sticks to my teeth and has to be flossed out, the oatmeal does not. (Or maybe it does, but to a much lesser extent.)

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Weight Loss Blog

Excellent article and this is exactly why I visit your site at least four time a week. I eat most whole wheat and am pretty serious about health and fitness. I happy to hear whole wheat bread is good for my gums as I take medication that weakens my gums so right on for whole wheat breads.

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iportion

I love oatmeal, beans veggies and fruit.
I am planning to eat real whole wheat soon.

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Helena

a reduced intake of refined sugars
I think you meant refined grains here. I agree with you, and I think this is often the case in studies that tout the benefits of whole grains.

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Jim

Thanks Helena (I've fixed that). I can't help thinking so many researchers can make some pretty heavy assumptions.

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lowcarb_dave

I think you are right Jim, it has nothing whatsoever to do with eating more whole grains. He has to do with eating all that junk food.

Hmmm, where is James in all of this?

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Patricia

I wonder if this points more to a reduced intake of refined grains rather than being directly caused by more whole grains. Anyone that is looking after the diet and health will have learnt to reduce overall intake of added sugars and sugary food.

Another really great article. You have raised very good points (again). I agree with them.

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Parcker

I am all about easy cooking. Though I have been improving over the years, I love the easy of frozen food and packaged meals. But I also happen to have some rather picky tastes and eating habits. That being said, we have used Lipton's Pasta and Rice Sides for years as a side dish in our home, and have tried almost every flavor that they make. We really feel we are getting a good tasting, inexpensive side dish from them.

We were very excited when we first heard that the Lipton company was making a "whole grain" side dish. We have been trying to incorporate more whole grains into our diet for both better eating habits for my husband and myself, but also for our 5 year old son who has developed some eating/diet issues. So in the last year or two we have overall been eating more whole grains, and especially with regards to our side dishes.

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