Whole Grains Offer Benefits Beyond Fiber

Whole grains are well known for their fiber; however, fiber is not the only benefit of a diet rich in whole grains. This study uses nutritional metabolomics (a field of that looks at how different foods affect metabolism) to explore how the different compounds in whole grains may affect metabolism, and suggests scientific reasons behind the health benefits of whole grains, beyond just their fiber content. Specifically, this analysis suggests that whole grains may have positive effects on insulin sensitivity and protein metabolism, and may contain other beneficial compounds, such as glycine betaine.
Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2015 Aug;74(3):320-7. doi: 10.1017/S0029665114001542. Epub 2014 Oct 23. (Ross AB et al.)