title: Major cereal grain fibers and psyllium in relation to cardiovascular health.
abstract: Numerous studies reveal the cardiovascular benefits of consuming dietary fiber and, especially, cereal fiber. Cereal fiber is associated with cardiovascular risk reduction through multiple mechanisms and consuming a variety of cereal fiber sources offers health benefits specific to the source. Certain cereal fibers have been studied more extensively than others and provide greater support for their incorporation into a healthful diet. β-glucan from oats or barley, or a combination of whole oats and barley, and soluble fiber from psyllium reduces the risk of coronary heart disease; inulin-type fructans added to foods and beverages may modestly decrease serum triacylglycerols; arabinoxylan and resistant starch may improve glycemic control. Individuals with low cereal fiber intake should increase their intake of whole grains in order to receive the benefits of whole grains in addition to fiber. For those adjusting to the texture and palatability of whole grains, turning to added-fiber products rich in β-glucan and psyllium may allow them to reach their fiber goals without increasing caloric intake.
authors.affiliation: Cleveland Clinic, Wellness Institute, 1950 Richmond Road/TR2-203, Lyndhurst, OH 44124, USA. bernsta2@ccf.org
authors.forename: Adam M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bernstein
authors.forename: Brigid
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Titgemeier
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kirkpatrick
authors.forename: Mladen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Golubic
authors.forename: Michael F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Roizen
mesh_terms: D018554:Avena / Q000737:chemistry; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D004032:Diet; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002523:Edible Grain / Q000737:chemistry*; D001467:Hordeum / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011620:Psyllium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D011134:Polysaccharides; D014280:Triglycerides; D011620:Psyllium