Abstract
Whole-grain diets are linked to reduced risk of several chronic diseases (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, metabolic syndrome) and all-cause mortality. There is increasing evidence that these benefits are associated with the gut microbiota and that release of fibre-related phenolic metabolites in the gut is a contributing factor. Additional sources of these metabolites include fruits and vegetables, but the evidence for their protective effects is less well established. With respect to the availability of bound phytophenols, ready-to-eat cereals are compared with soft fruits (considered rich in antioxidants) and other commonly consumed fruits and vegetables. The results demonstrated that when compared with an equivalent serving of fruits or vegetables, a recommended portion of whole-grain cereals deliver substantially higher amounts of bound phytophenols, which are available for metabolism in the colon. The increased amount of these phenolic metabolites may, in part, explain the evidence for the protective effects of whole-grain cereals.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2880-2886 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Food Chemistry |
Volume | 141 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 17 May 2013 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2013 |
Bibliographical note
Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.Funding:
The Kellogg Company and the Scottish Government Food Land and People Programme.
Keywords
- dietary fibre
- whole-grain
- phenolic metabolites
- phytochemicals
- gut microbiota