Latest research results

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the following health claim about whole grain products in 1999: “Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods and low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.” This claim can be used in the United States for marketing of products that contain at least 51 % whole grain ingredients by weight. Many rye breads and all rye crisps satisfy this condition.

Several health effects of rye are close to the beneficial effects of whole grain products. The most essential research results concerning the health effects of rye fiber and whole grain products are:   

Positive effects on sugar metabolism

Rye fiber and whole grains have a beneficial effect on carbohydrate metabolism in the body.  Rye reduces the need for insulin produced by the pancreas after meals, helping to even out blood insulin levels. This reduces the risk of type II diabetes.

Reducing risk of heart diseases  

The risk of heart disease is reduced, because products made with rye and oat fiber have been proven to lower cholesterol levels.

Promoting weight control

A diet rich in rye fiber is more slowly evacuated from the stomach. Blood sugar levels fluctuate less and the feeling of fullness after a meal lasts longer. This helps weight control.

Reducing risk of cancer

Leading European cancer experts have found that a fiber-rich diet containing grains has a clear connection to helping reduce the risk of colon cancer. In addition, people whose blood is rich in the lignins found in grain fiber have been found to be at less risk for both breast and prostate cancer. The effects of diet on cancer risk are difficult to research, the studies take years, and many factors are involved. For this reason it is difficult to show a reduction of cancer risk that is linked to diet, and the research results sometimes contradict each other.

Contributing proper bowel function

Rye products are rich in dietary fiber, which has long been known to help bowel functions and reduce constipation.

Providing healthy supplements

Rye products contain a great many beneficial ingredients, like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and plant estrogen. Many of the beneficial health effects of whole grains and fiber are due to these ingredients.

Rye and fiber research continues

The worst of the widespread diseases affecting Western people today are obesity and heart and blood pressure conditions linked to the so-called metabolic syndrome. Research results are leading to the development of new products as well as giving consumers information on diets that reduce health risks. Currently researchers are especially interested in the effects of grain products on satiety or feelings of fullness. A number of studies are also proceeding on the relationship of sugar metabolism and grain products.