Scientific Studies
Reported in the Doctors Guide, www.pslgroup.com
New Studies
Find Soluble Fiber in Oatmeal Improves Health
CHICAGO, Dec. 10, 1996 -- Studies published in the
December issues of "Circulation," the
"Journal of the American Dietetic
Association," and "The American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition" expand on over 30 years of
research on oatmeal. Building upon the established
link between oatmeal consumption and decreases in
cholesterol, these studies further suggest that
eating more oat soluble fiber improves health and may
extend longevity by reducing levels of blood glucose,
insulin and triglycerides.
The study in "Circulation" with 22,000
Finnish men found that "an increase in daily
soluble fiber intake by 3 grams reduced the risk of
coronary death by 27%." According to this study,
soluble fiber's effect on cholesterol did not fully
explain the reduction. In addition, the researchers
suggest several ways that soluble fiber may reduce
coronary heart disease beyond lowering cholesterol
levels, including reducing levels of blood glucose,
insulin, triglycerides and fats found in the blood
immediately after a meal. The authors based this
hypothesis in part on past oat-related research that
found similar heart health benefits. The
"Circulation" study authors therefore
propose that soluble fiber may impact several heart
disease risk factors simultaneously, possibly
accounting for the large reduction in death from
coronary heart disease noted in their study.
In tracing the possible source of these effects, the
authors identify whole-grain breads made from rye,
oats, barley and wheat as the predominant sources of
fiber in the Finnish diet and conclude that Finnish
men consume more total fiber and soluble fiber than
Americans. The soluble fiber found in rye, oats and
barley is primarily in the form of beta-glucan; oats
have twice as much beta-glucan as rye.
Compared to the Finnish, Americans' diets would be
more likely to include this type of soluble fiber in
foods such as oatmeal. In addition to the
"Circulation" study, other research has
suggested that a 3 gram increase in daily intake of
soluble fiber may improve heart health. Three grams
of oat soluble fiber is found in 1-1/2 cups of cooked
oatmeal.
Additional research published this week further
supports the many benefits associated with consuming
oatmeal. A study in the "Journal of the American
Dietetic Association" indicated that oat soluble
fiber consumption could lower blood insulin, blood
glucose, and cholesterol levels in people with
non-insulin dependent diabetes. According to the
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, 16
million Americans have diabetes and 595,000 new cases
of non-insulin dependent diabetes are diagnosed each
year. Diabetes is linked to a higher risk of heart
disease.
"The American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition" study showed that diets high in oat
soluble fiber were effective in lowering blood
triglycerides. Elevated triglyceride levels are an
independent risk factor for heart disease. As a
result, the two studies provide specific support for
the many heart-health benefits of soluble fiber
proposed in the "Circulation" article.
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