Higher intakes of fibre and wholegrains associated with lower rates of non-communicable diseases, including Cardiovascular Disease and Coronary Heart Disease.

People consuming high levels of dietary fibre and whole grains have a lower risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease, and reduced incidence of common non-communicable diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, than those eating less fibre, according to a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Eating at least 25g to 29g or more of dietary fibre a day was found to bring about the greatest benefit.

Additionally, body weight, systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol were found to be significantly lower in those consuming higher fibre intakes when compared to those consuming lower amounts of fibre. Similar findings for whole grain intake were observed.

This analysis was commissioned by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to help inform on the development of updated recommendations on carbohydrate intake.

Details of the full study can be found here: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)31809-9/fulltext