(NaturalPath) Twenty-two participants with previously diagnosed acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were recruited and randomly assigned to two different groups. Two different types of organic wheat were given to patients and they were instructed to consume them as their only source of grains for an eight-week period. Subjects then underwent an eight-week “wash-out” period and then were instructed to consume the alternate grain for another eight weeks. The grains used were kamut wheat and khorasan wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp turanicum). All behavioural components and routines of the participants were maintained and unchanged throughout the study.
The primary outcome measures of the study included body mass index (BMI), plasma oxidative markers, metabolic markers, electrolytes, and inflammatory markers. Results showed that when the subjects consumed the khorasan wheat products there was a decrease in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, glucose, and insulin. There also was an increase in magnesium, and oxidative factors were reduced. TNF-alpha, an inflammatory marker, also saw a reduction in levels following khorasan consumption. These findings were not seen in the wheat only diet.
Although this was a small preliminary study, findings are suggestive that khorasan wheat may be a positive dietary addition to lower metabolic markers and inflammation as well as increase magnesium levels in individuals. These findings indicate khorasan wheat can improve cardiovascular health and reduce risk factors of cardiovascular events.
http://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2015-12/khorasan-wheat-based-diet-and-acute-coronary-syndrome
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.