Whole Grains May Lower Risk Of Early Death, Harvard Study Finds

CAMBRIDGE (CBS) – Want to live longer? Adding whole grains to your diet might not be a bad idea, according to a new study.

Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered that people who ate about 70 grams, or four servings, of whole grains daily had a 22 percent lower risk of dying than those who consumed little to no whole grains.

Studies have already shown that whole grains can improve heart and gut health, and can reduce the risk of diabetes.

Some of the whole grains scientists recommend include bran, oatmeal and quinoa.

"These findings further support current dietary guidelines that recommend at least 3 daily servings (or 48 grams) of whole grains to improve long-term health and prevent premature death," study author and professor Qi Sun said.

The study involved health information from over 786,000 people.