scholarly journals Whole Grains and Consumer Understanding: Investigating Consumers’ Identification, Knowledge and Attitudes to Whole Grains

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shara Foster ◽  
Eleanor Beck ◽  
Jaimee Hughes ◽  
Sara Grafenauer
Keyword(s):  
Food Packaging ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Grain Foods ◽  
Non Communicable Disease ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Whole grains may assist in reducing risk of non-communicable disease, but consumption is limited in many countries. In Australia, the reasons for poor consumption are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate consumers’ knowledge, attitudes and identification of whole grains, incorporating an exploration of factors influencing consumption, promotion and provision. An online semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather responses from 735 participants (61% complete responses). Although 92% of respondents consumed grains, only 8% reported an intake consistent with age and gender recommendations. Refined pasta and rice were the most frequently purchased grain foods followed by wholemeal/whole grain bread. Of whole grain foods, bread and breakfast cereals were consumed more frequently. However, overall, participants did not prioritise consumption of whole grains. Despite this, 93% of participants had seen food packaging information drawing attention to whole grain content, with a high proportion describing whole grain as less processed (72%) or high in dietary fibre (67%). Two-thirds were aware of health benefits but stated that if they had further information, they would be more likely to swap to whole grain. Further education, increasing exposure, accessibility and extensive promotion of whole grain health benefits are required to facilitate whole grain consumption. Furthermore, removing the negative stigma associated with carbohydrate foods, including grains, will be necessary to improve consumption.

Germinated grains: a superior whole grain functional food?

2013 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 429-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Nelson ◽  
Lily Stojanovska ◽  
Todor Vasiljevic ◽  
Michael Mathai
Keyword(s):  
Functional Food ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
Grain Foods

Grains are global dietary staples that when consumed in whole grain form, offer considerable health benefits compared with milled grain foods, including reduced body weight gain and reduced cardiovascular and diabetes risks. Dietary patterns, functional foods, and other lifestyle factors play a fundamental role in the development and management of epidemic lifestyle diseases that share risks of developing adverse metabolic outcomes, including hyperglycaemia, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Whole grains provide energy, nutrients, fibres, and bioactive compounds that may synergistically contribute to their protective effects. Despite their benefits, the intake of grains appears to be lower than recommended in many countries. Of emerging interest is the application of germination processes, which may significantly enhance the nutritional and bioactive content of grains, as well as improve palatability. Enhancing grain foods in a natural way using germination techniques may therefore offer a practical, natural, dietary intervention to increase the health benefits and acceptability of whole grains, with potentially widespread effects across populations in attenuating adverse lifestyle disease outcomes. Continuing to build on the growing body of in-vitro studies requires substantiation with extended in-vivo trials so that we may further develop our understanding of the potential of germinated grains as a functional food.

scholarly journals Solutions for whole grain food development

2020 ◽  
Vol 78 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 61-68
Author(s):  
Bin Tan ◽  
Na-Na Wu ◽  
Xiao-Tong Zhai
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
Grain Foods

Abstract Owing to the health benefits associated with whole grains, there has been a sustained global effort to increase their consumption, with many countries developing guidelines for recommended amounts of whole grain intake. In China, the consumption of whole grains is low. This is due, in part, to technical obstacles in the development of whole grain foods. This review focuses on possible solutions in the whole value chain and the application of new food technologies to develop whole grain foods that taste better, have more appealing texture, are safe to consume, and better retain bioactive compounds.

scholarly journals Whole grains and health: attitudes to whole grains against a prevailing background of increased marketing and promotion

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 743-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine McMackin ◽  
Moira Dean ◽  
Jayne V Woodside ◽  
Michelle C McKinley
Keyword(s):  
General Education ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
Food Shopping ◽  
Grain Foods

AbstractObjectiveTo explore current awareness and perceptions of whole grain foods and perceived barriers and facilitators of whole grain consumption.DesignFocus groups were conducted to investigate consumer attitudes to whole grains. Discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.SettingDiscussions were held throughout Northern Ireland with adults who were at least partly responsible for food shopping.SubjectsSeven focus groups were held (n 43; thirty-three females, ten males).ResultsAll participants were aware of the term ‘whole grain’ and had a basic level of awareness of their health benefits. Prominent barriers and facilitators of whole grain intake were related to perceptions of the sensory properties (most dominant factor) of whole grains; knowledge of how to locate, identify and use whole grains; and awareness of the health benefits, perceived cost and family influences. Parents of young children appeared to be altruistically motivated with many stating they wanted to ensure their children consumed whole grains in order to establish good eating habits.ConclusionsParticipants were generally aware of the term ‘whole grain’; however, even against a background of increased availability and promotion of whole grain foods, many key barriers to whole grain consumption were still evident. Alongside general education efforts, opportunities and challenges exist for the food industry to develop novel, but affordable, food products that are able to deliver whole grains in a wide variety of forms, including whole grains ‘in disguise’ for those who are most resistant to change.

scholarly journals Whole grain food intake elevates serum enterolactone

2002 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Jacobs ◽  
Mark A. Pereira ◽  
Katariina Stumpf ◽  
Joel J. Pins ◽  
Herman Adlercreutz
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Washout Period ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
Feeding Study ◽  
Grain Foods ◽  
Reduced Risk

Both intake of whole grain and higher levels of serum enterolactone have been related to reduced risk for CHD and some cancers. Because lignans are prevalent in the outer layers of grains, these findings may be related. We carried out a crossover feeding study in which overweight, hyperinsulinaemic, non-diabetic men (n5) and women (n6) ate, in random order, wholegrain foods or refined-grain foods in a diet with 30% energy from fat. The dominant whole grain was wheat, followed by oats and rice. All food was supplied by the investigators and each diet lasted for 6 weeks, with an intervening washout period of 6–9 weeks. Serum enterolactone concentrations were higher when eating the wholegrain than the refined-grain diet by 6·2 (within person SE 1·7) nmol/l (P=0·0008). Most of the increase in serum enterolactone when eating the wholegrain diet occurred within 2 weeks, though the serum enterolactone difference between wholegrain and refined-grain diets continued to increase through 6 weeks. Serum enterolactone concentrations can be raised by eating a diet rich in whole grains.

scholarly journals Intake of whole grain foods and risk of type 2 diabetes: results from three prospective cohort studies

BMJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. m2206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Hu ◽  
Ming Ding ◽  
Laura Sampson ◽  
Walter C Willett ◽  
JoAnn E Manson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Brown Rice ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
Breakfast Cereal ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Grain Foods

Abstract Objective To examine the associations between the intake of total and individual whole grain foods and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Design Prospective cohort studies. Setting Nurses’ Health Study (1984-2014), Nurses’ Health Study II (1991-2017), and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (1986-2016), United States. Participants 158 259 women and 36 525 men who did not have type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer at baseline. Main outcome measures Self-reports of incident type 2 diabetes by participants identified through follow-up questionnaires and confirmed by a validated supplementary questionnaire. Results During 4 618 796 person years of follow-up, 18 629 participants with type 2 diabetes were identified. Total whole grain consumption was categorized into five equal groups of servings a day for the three cohorts. After adjusting for lifestyle and dietary risk factors for diabetes, participants in the highest category for total whole grain consumption had a 29% (95% confidence interval 26% to 33%) lower rate of type 2 diabetes compared with those in the lowest category. For individual whole grain foods, pooled hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for type 2 diabetes in participants consuming one or more servings a day compared with those consuming less than one serving a month were 0.81 (0.77 to 0.86) for whole grain cold breakfast cereal, 0.79 (0.75 to 0.83) for dark bread, and 1.08 (1.00 to 1.17) for popcorn. For other individual whole grains with lower average intake levels, comparing consumption of two or more servings a week with less than one serving a month, the pooled hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.79 (0.75 to 0.83) for oatmeal, 0.88 (0.82 to 0.94) for brown rice, 0.85 (0.80 to 0.90) for added bran, and 0.88 (0.78 to 0.98) for wheat germ. Spline regression showed a non-linear dose-response association between total whole grain intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes where the rate reduction slightly plateaued at more than two servings a day (P<0.001 for curvature). For whole grain cold breakfast cereal and dark bread, the rate reduction plateaued at about 0.5 servings a day. For consumption of popcorn, a J shaped association was found where the rate of type 2 diabetes was not significantly raised until consumption exceeded about one serving a day. The association between higher total whole grain intake and lower risk of type 2 diabetes was stronger in individuals who were lean than in those who were overweight or obese (P=0.003 for interaction), and the associations did not vary significantly across levels of physical activity, family history of diabetes, or smoking status. Conclusion Higher consumption of total whole grains and several commonly eaten whole grain foods, including whole grain breakfast cereal, oatmeal, dark bread, brown rice, added bran, and wheat germ, was significantly associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. These findings provide further support for the current recommendations of increasing whole grain consumption as part of a healthy diet for the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

scholarly journals Healthy whole-grain choices for children and parents: a multi-component school-based pilot intervention

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 849-859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teri L Burgess-Champoux ◽  
Hing Wan Chan ◽  
Renee Rosen ◽  
Len Marquart ◽  
Marla Reicks
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Intervention School ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Role Modelling ◽  
School Based ◽  
Children And Parents ◽  
Pilot Intervention ◽  
Grain Foods

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to pilot-test a school-based intervention designed to increase consumption of whole grains by 4th and 5th grade children.DesignThis multi-component school-based pilot intervention utilised a quasi-experimental study design (intervention and comparison schools) that consisted of a five-lesson classroom curriculum based on Social Cognitive Theory, school cafeteria menu modifications to increase the availability of whole-grain foods and family-oriented activities. Meal observations of children estimated intake of whole grains at lunch. Children and parents completed questionnaires to assess changes in knowledge, availability, self-efficacy, usual food choice and role modelling.Setting/sampleParent/child pairs from two schools in the Minneapolis metropolitan area; 67 in the intervention and 83 in the comparison school.ResultsWhole-grain consumption at the lunch meal increased by 1 serving (P< 0·0001) and refined-grain consumption decreased by 1 serving for children in the intervention school compared with the comparison school post-intervention (P< 0·001). Whole-grain foods were more available in the lunches served to children in the intervention school compared with the comparison school post-intervention (P< 0·0001). The ability to identify whole-grain foods by children in both schools increased, with a trend towards a greater increase in the intervention school (P= 0·06). Parenting scores for scales for role modelling (P< 0·001) and enabling behaviours (P< 0·05) were significantly greater for parents in the intervention school compared with the comparison school post-intervention.ConclusionsThe multi-component school-based programme implemented in the current study successfully increased the intake of whole-grain foods by children.

scholarly journals WIC Households’ Bread and Cold Cereal Purchases: When They Use Benefits Versus Paying Out of Pocket

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-86
Author(s):  
Hayden Stewart ◽  
Patrick W. McLaughlin ◽  
Diansheng Dong ◽  
Elizabeth Frazão
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
Payment Methods ◽  
Food Purchases ◽  
The Us ◽  
Women And Children ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition Program ◽  
Grain Foods

Purpose: The US Department of Agriculture’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) seeks to improve the health of participating women and children by providing nutrition education and a monthly package of supplemental foods including whole grain bread and cereal. While some studies confirm that participants consume more whole grains, others find no effect. In this study, we hypothesize that the positive association between WIC and whole grains is being reduced in size and consistency by several factors. Design/Setting/Participants: American households were surveyed about their food purchases. Overall response rate was 45.6%. A total of 4826 households completed the survey including 471 WIC households. Measures: The survey recorded households’ purchases of refined and whole grains in bread and cereal over 1 week. Analysis: T tests were used to compare the bread and cereal purchases of WIC and eligible, non-WIC households. Probit models were also estimated to assess a WIC household’s likelihood to choose whole grain foods when using benefits versus other payment methods. Results: On average, WIC households acquired more whole grains in bread than eligible, non-WIC households (1.33 vs 0.72 ounce equivalents per household member aged 1 year or older; P < .05). No difference is found for cereal ( P > .10). Moreover, when using payment methods other than WIC benefits, WIC participants are 19% less likely than other households to choose whole grain bread ( P < .05) and 20% less likely to choose a whole grain cold cereal ( P < .05), which suggests that WIC-provided foods may replace some whole grains participants would otherwise buy for themselves. Conclusion: WIC is positively associated with whole grains. However, the association is stronger for bread than cereal. Moreover, foods provided through the program may partially replace whole grains that WIC households would otherwise buy for themselves.

scholarly journals Whole grain, bran and cereal fibre consumption and CVD: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (8) ◽  
pp. 914-937 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eden M. Barrett ◽  
Marijka J. Batterham ◽  
Sumantra Ray ◽  
Eleanor J. Beck
Keyword(s):  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Fibre Content ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Methodical Approach ◽  
Grain Foods ◽  
Whole Grain Cereal

AbstractWhole grain intake is associated with lower CVD risk in epidemiological studies. It is unclear to what extent cereal fibre, located primarily within the bran, is responsible. This review aimed to evaluate association between intake of whole grain, cereal fibre and bran and CVD risk. Academic databases were searched for human studies published before March 2018. Observational studies reporting whole grain and cereal fibre or bran intake in association with any CVD-related outcome were included. Studies were separated into those defining whole grain using a recognised definition (containing the bran, germ and endosperm in their natural proportions) (three studies, seven publications) and those using an alternative definition, such as including added bran as a whole grain source (eight additional studies, thirteen publications). Intake of whole grain, cereal fibre and bran were similarly associated with lower risk of CVD-related outcomes. Within the initial analysis, where studies used the recognised whole grain definition, results were less likely to show attenuation after adjustment for cereal fibre content. The fibre component of grain foods appears to play an important role in protective effects of whole grains. Adjusting for fibre content, associations remained, suggesting that additional components within the whole grain, and the bran component, may contribute to cardio-protective association. The limited studies and considerable discrepancy in defining and calculating whole grain intake limit conclusions. Future research should utilise a consistent definition and methodical approach of calculating whole grain intake to contribute to a greater body of consistent evidence surrounding whole grains.

scholarly journals Dietary Fibre from Whole Grains and Their Benefits on Metabolic Health

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3045
Author(s):  
Nirmala Prasadi V. P. ◽  
Iris J. Joye
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Fibre ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Metabolic Health ◽  
Human Studies ◽  
Consumer Health ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The World ◽  
Grain Products

The consumption of whole grain products is often related to beneficial effects on consumer health. Dietary fibre is an important component present in whole grains and is believed to be (at least partially) responsible for these health benefits. The dietary fibre composition of whole grains is very distinct over different grains. Whole grains of cereals and pseudo-cereals are rich in both soluble and insoluble functional dietary fibre that can be largely classified as e.g., cellulose, arabinoxylan, β-glucan, xyloglucan and fructan. However, even though the health benefits associated with the consumption of dietary fibre are well known to scientists, producers and consumers, the consumption of dietary fibre and whole grains around the world is substantially lower than the recommended levels. This review will discuss the types of dietary fibre commonly found in cereals and pseudo-cereals, their nutritional significance and health benefits observed in animal and human studies.

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