Looking for new menu trends? A new study reinforces the links of wholegrains to weight loss, which today’s diners are increasingly aware of as the eating “health-consciously” trend continues to grow.
A new study has shown additional benefits for wholegrains including rice – and this one is good for your waistline.
Researchers at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, have linked wholegrain consumption with increased metabolism and energy expenditure, both of which are beneficial for weight control. The study found people who replaced refined grains with whole grains like brown and red rice, burnt close to an extra 100 calories per day compared to their refined grain counterparts – the equivalent of a brisk 30 minute walk.
The results found eating wholegrains increased resting metabolic rate and affected the digestibility of the entire diet thanks to the increased fibre intake from wholegrains.
New Zealand Nutrition Foundation Dietitian, Sarah Hanrahan says of the impact the new study could have on New Zealand diets: “A link between wholegrains and better health has long been known . The results of the Tufts University study helps to understand where a link lies, making it easier to understand one of the ‘whys’ behind the wholegrain movement”, she comments.
This month, SunRice has launched a new addition to their popular Health and Wellbeing selection. The new SuperBrown mix combines wholegrain red and brown rice in a new blend. The launch is right on trend with current Kiwi eating habits, as wholegrains are considered an increasingly important part of a healthy lifestyle.
“Kiwi’s aren’t afraid of using grains in their regular meals, but this study signals that a change away from refined grains to wholegrains can have a real impact on both health and wellbeing, ” Hanrahan adds.
Other health benefits of wholegrains have been well documented through previous studies that have suggested a connection between wholegrains and dietary fibre on chronic disease risk. Phil J. Karl, PhD, first author of the study comments, “this study helps to quantify how wholegrains and fibre work to benefit weight management, and lends credibility to previously reported associations between increased wholegrains and fibre consumption, lower body weight and better health”.
The New Zealand Nutrition Foundation recommends a daily fibre intake of 25 grams for women and 30 grams for men. It is estimated that many New Zealanders eat less than half the recommended amount.
The average serving of new SunRice SuperBrown contains 4.2g of dietary fibre to help boost daily intake. For more information visit: www.sunrice.co.nz
