Eating whole grains may help prevent risk factors in older people that could lead to heart attacks and strokes, a new study says.
In the study of 535 adults between 60 and 98, those who ate more whole-grain foods were less likely to develop metabolic syndrome or die of cardiovascular disease over the next 12 or 15 years. Findings appear in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of conditions that include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar levels and abdominal obesity. These conditions elevate the risk of heart disease, stroke or kidney damage.
Whole grains include high-fiber cereals, cooked oatmeal and can be found in certain breads, among other foods.
