Cereals

10.3.1 Wholegrain cereals and heart disease Wholegrain cereals contain dietary fibre, lignans and folate. These three factors protect against heart disease.   Activity

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Match each of these components (dietary fibre, lignans and folate) with its potentially protective effect (Click and drag). Press the submit button to check the answer.
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Factors in cereals that protect against heart disease Dietary fibre Diets high in dietary fibre and low in fat seem to reduce · The formation of blood clots · the stickiness of blood platelets (small fragments found in blood) Blood clots and sticky blood platelets are factors that can contribute to the development of heart disease. Soluble fibre, one type of dietary firbre, has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels. Lignans Whole-grains cereals contain lignans, substances that are mildly oestrogenic. These oestrogenic properties may help to maintain blood vessel function. Folate Blood concentrations of homocysteine (a substance toxic to blood vessels) are elevated in individuals with folate deficiency. Whole-grain cereals if eaten in sufficient quantities will make a substantial contribution to the intake of folate.

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