Whole Grains Diet Reduces Systemic Inflammation and Body Weight vs. a Refined Grains Diet

Investigators in Denmark examined whether replacing a refined grain diet with a whole grain diet would alter the gut microbiome and insulin sensitivity or affect biomarkers of metabolic health and gut functionality. In this randomized, controlled cross-over study, 50 patients were randomized to a whole grain diet for 8 weeks, with crossover following a washout period to a refined grain diet for 8 weeks. During the whole grain period, participants were given a target of consuming ≥75 grams per day of whole grains, compared with a target of <10 grams whole grains per day during the refined grain period.

During the whole grain period, body weight decreased slightly, which correlated with lower energy intake. Inflammatory markers decreased with …