Researchers pit white bread
against wheat in weight loss study
January 28, 2005
For those who follow low-carb diets, bread is the ultimate
demon. But now, some researchers say it’s not
the total carbohydrates, but the types of carbs you
consume, that affect your weight. In a three-year study
at Tufts, scientists found that middle-aged people who
ate white bread had only a half-inch larger waist than
people dining on high fiber. That could give bread-lovers
a reason to rejoice. Related articles on this topic
are also available on the NewsTarget Network, including:
Hoodia gordonii is no miracle weight loss pill, health
investigation reveals.
- Bread has been portrayed as Public Enemy No. 1
for low-carb dieters trying to slice inches off their
wasitlines.
- But, reports CBS News Correspondent Serena Altschul,
there's growing scientific evidence showing that idea
to be a misconception.
- "It's not just the total carbohydrates, but
it's about the types of carbs you are consuming that
will affect your waistline," says P.K Newby of
Tufts University.
- In two studies spanning three years, scientists
at Tufts followed the eating habits of over 450 healthy
middle-aged people.
- They compared those who ate foods high in refined
flour --- like white bread --- to those with diets
loaded with whole grain products.
- "Those individuals in the white bread group
had about a half-an-inch larger waist circumference
than compared to those in the healthy high fiber group,"
Newby says.
- But, remarks Altschul, the real shocker is that
the white bread lovers with the expanding waistlines
ate less total carbohydrates than whole wheat eaters.
- It was the white bread that made the difference.
- Here's why: Researchers believe refined flour in
white bread metabolizes faster in the body than whole
grains.
- The rush of insulin turns into fat more quickly
-- right on your waistline.
Conagra -- one the companies that originaly brought
refined flour to American grocery shelves -- has rolled
out a new product claiming the taste and texture of
white flour, with the benefits of whole grain.
- Read the government's 2005 guidelines, calculate
your body mass index and quiz yourself on healthy
food choices.
- Have you consumed myths about diet and nutrition?
- Video New federal dietary guidelines put a greater
emphasis on whole grain foods, which could cut more
than just calories.
- All Broadcasts The Early Show CBS Evening News 48
Hours 60 Minutes (SUN) 60 Minutes (WED) The Sat.
Source:www.newstarget.com
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