A new study shows increased intake of whole grains and bran is associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of hypertension in men.
The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, reviewed data from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study involving 31,684 healthy men aged 40 to 75 without known hypertension, cancer, stroke, or coronary heart disease. These participants were followed for 18 years, during which 9,227 cases of incident hypertension were recorded.
Researchers found that whole-grain intake reduced the risk of hypertension by 19%, while intake of bran reduced the risk of hypertension by 15%.
Study authors believe these findings have implications for future dietary guidelines and prevention of hypertension.
SOURCE: “Whole grains and incident hypertension in men”, Flint, et al, Am J Clin Nutr (July 1, 2009). doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.27460