Whole Grains Fight High Blood Pressure

Studies have shown that women who eat more whole grains in their daily diets are less susceptible to high blood pressure and heart disease. Now results from the 50,000-man Health Professionals Follow-up Study show that men also benefit from eating whole grains. Researchers have collected information on these men since 1986. Those who ate the most whole grains were 19 percent less likely to be diagnosed with hypertension than those who ate the least. High blood pressure is associated with a greater risk for heart disease and stroke, so it makes sense to try to include at least 50 grams of whole grain a day. That was the average amount eaten by the men who consumed the most whole grains.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Sept. 2009]