Whole grain foods and heart disease risk

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in most develope d nations and is rapidly increasing in prevalence in developing countries. Death rates from cardiovascular disease exceed 1 million annually in the Un ited States and account for the largest disease-related cost to health with total costs estimated to exceed $120 billion per annum. Many dietary facto rs, including total and saturated fat consumption, fruit and vegetable inta ke and dietary fiber, have been shown to contribute to risk for CHD. We hav e systematically reviewed literature from the past 20 years evaluating an a ssociation between dietary fiber and CHD. Foods that are rich in dietary fi ber, including fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole gain cereals, also ten d to be a rich source of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, antioxidants a nd other micronutrients. Each of these factors may be independently contrib uting to the cardiovascular protective effects of fiber-rich foods.