- There are reports that whole grain intake is associated with changes in figures related to weight and inflammation, but the results on nutritional status are not consistent.
- The evidence score is 29, and the reliability is considered very low.
- This content is for people at risk of metabolic syndrome, or those considering a diet related to diabetes.
Brown rice and whole grains refer to grains that retain their outer bran layer, without the outer layer having been removed through processes such as polishing.
These are taken in the context of daily diet as sources containing dietary fiber and other components.
It appears that research results are divided on what effect eating whole grains has on the body. There are reports that the research results are not consistent. In other words, this shows that the response may differ from person to person.
Past studies have carried out various verifications at a scale of several dozen people. Some have targeted people with health risks such as diabetes. In technical terms, the method used is a randomized controlled trial (a reliable research method in which participants are randomly divided into groups to compare effects). In other words, attempts have been made to scientifically confirm differences resulting from dietary content.
Some studies have found a decrease in figures related to weight and inflammation in the body. There are reports of a decrease in body weight and a lowering of inflammation markers. In other words, this shows that dietary choices may be linked to changes in the body.
This study was conducted on 50 Danish people at risk of metabolic syndrome (a condition in which health risks increase in connection with lifestyle). Over a period of 8 weeks, it compared a diet providing about 179 g of whole grains per day with a diet using refined grains. In technical terms, this was conducted as a randomized controlled trial (RCT). In other words, this directly observed the changes brought about by a specific diet.
Compared with other dietary styles, there are reports that triglycerides decrease, while concerns such as a rise in cholesterol levels have also been reported. This is because there is a study comparing a carbohydrate-restricting ketogenic diet (a dietary approach that drastically reduces carbohydrates) with a Mediterranean diet. In other words, the effect on the body may vary depending on the combination of foods eaten.
This study involved 40 participants in a condition related to diabetes. It has also been suggested that a reduction in the intake of specific nutrients may have other effects on health. From a technical standpoint, the ease of sustaining the diet has also been discussed. In other words, ease of incorporation into daily life is an important factor, not just the numbers alone.
| Study | Design | Number of Participants | Duration | Main Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gut (2019, PMID:29097438) | Randomized controlled trial (RCT) | 50 | 112 days | A positive effect was reported |
| The American journal of clinical nutrition (2022, PMID:35641199) | Randomized controlled trial (RCT) | 40 | Unknown | A possible negative effect was reported |
The research subjects totaled 90 people. These consisted of 50 Danish adults at risk of metabolic syndrome, and 40 adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
These studies included people with conditions related to lifestyle. This can be used as a reference when thinking about your own health situation.
This finding is based on a total of 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
There are reports that the research results on the association between brown rice/whole grains and nutritional status are not consistent. For this reason, the reliability is very limited.
There are also reports of a risk that avoiding brown rice and whole grains in a particular dietary approach could lead to a reduction in nutrient intake.
What effects are said to result from a diet high in brown rice and whole grains?
There are reports of weight loss and a decrease in the blood inflammation markers IL-6 and C-reactive protein.
What risks are there in avoiding brown rice and whole grains from the diet?
In a particular dietary approach, avoiding brown rice and whole grains may raise LDL cholesterol. A reduction in nutrient intake has also been reported.
What is the relationship between brown rice/whole grains and nutritional status?
There are reports that the research results on the association between brown rice/whole grains and nutritional status are not consistent. The reliability is very limited.
While whole grain intake may affect figures related to weight and inflammation, the results on nutritional status differ between studies. This information has the limitation of being based on only 2 studies, with very low reliability. Please use it as a reference for thinking about your dietary balance in light of your own condition. Why not also try the self-check to see whether your diet suits you?