Ancient Grains Significantly Reduce Risk Factors For Heart Disease

Ancient grains have a major advantage over modern grain varieties: because they are not heavily refined, they retain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and contain more vitamins B and E, magnesium, iron and potassium. Confirming these benefits is an Italian study that proves breads made with ancient grains significantly reduce the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The randomized crossover trial involved 45 healthy adults (average age 50) who ate breads made from conventional flour and ancient grains in three separate 8-week sessions. Researchers found that ancient grains breads significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, as well as levels of blood glucose.