Cereals key to a long life: Scientists find whole grains prevent premature death

STARTING the day with a bowl of cereal could add years to your life, scientists claim.

Bowl of cereal and fruitGETTY

Whole grain cereals can prevent cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes

A diet high in whole grains and cereal fibres reduces the risk of premature death from chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes.

Whole grains are the entire seed of a plant used for food and contains the germ, bran and endospore, such as wheat, oat and quinoa.

They are rich sources of dietary fibre and other nutrients such as minerals and antioxidants.

The Harvard Public School of Health research found eating an average 1.2 ounces or 34 grams of whole grains a day was linked to a 17 per cent reduced risk of premature death compared to those eating an average of 0.13 ounces or 43.98 grams.

Even when taking into account factors such as health, physical activity and obesity the reduction was the same.

Researchers believe cereal fibre may have protective effects thanks to its anti-inflammation properties.

The findings were published in the BMC Medicine journal. 

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