Author
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BEHALL, KAY |
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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 1/9/2006 Publication Date: 4/30/2006 Citation: Behall, K.M. 2006. Beta-glucan in barley and oats and their health benefits. Meeting Abstract. Interpretive Summary: n/a Technical Abstract: Cardiovascular disease continues to be the number one cause of death in the United States despite numerous plans to reduce its prevalence. Interest has increased in the use of diet and lifestyle rather than drugs for the prevention and management of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Numerous studies have demonstrated that whole grains that are high in soluble fiber, such as oats and barley, are more effective in lowering blood cholesterol than are grains in which fibers are predominantly insoluble, such as wheat or rice. Studies evaluating the effects of soluble fibers on blood lipids have used primarily oats. Barley is also a good soluble fiber source but is not consumed as extensively as oats. The US Food and Drug Administration allows the health claim statement that consumption of soluble fiber from oats and barley in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The recommended effective level of consumption is a minimum of four servings per day, each containing at least 0.75 g of soluble fiber for an intake of at least 3 g of soluble fiber per day. Oats, barley and their soluble fiber extracts have been reported to have beneficial effects on glucose tolerance, especially with regard to the magnitude of postprandial glucose and insulin. Beneficial health effects also include improving glycemic control in diabetic subjects, and potentially decreasing the risk for development of diabetes. Obesity, observed in over 30% of the US population, has been reported to be the most common condition associated with elevated insulin concentrations and insulin resistance. The beneficial effects of consuming oat or barley or their soluble fiber extracts are most likely to be found in subjects for which lowering glucose and insulin is an improvement, that is, older, overweight, and Type 2 diabetic individuals. The effects of soluble fibers on blood pressure are less well described although benefits from whole grain consumption, including barley, have been reported. |
