Feed Your Heart a Healthy Breakfast

Did you know that what you eat for breakfast could help you live longer? New research shows that eating whole-grain cereal may provide extra protection for your heart.

Researchers analyzed results from the Physicians’ Health Study, a study involving more than 10,000 men. They found that those who ate whole-grain cereal at least seven times per week were 28 percent less likely to develop heart failure than those who didn’t. Eating whole-grain cereal even two to six times per week decreased the risk by 22 percent.

Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to effectively pump blood to the rest of the body. Some causes of heart failure include high blood pressure and previous heart attacks.

The study adds to evidence that a diet rich in whole grains is good for the heart— lowering blood pressure, LDL or “bad” cholesterol, and reducing the risk for heart disease. This fiber- and nutrient-rich food also has been shown to reduce the risk for diabetes and certain cancers, decrease constipation, and help maintain a healthy body weight. To reap the benefits, most experts recommend Americans eat at least three servings of whole-grain foods each day. This can come from whole-grain cereals as well as other foods such as whole wheat bread, whole-grain pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, popcorn, and wild rice.