Ancient Grains: A Scientific Review Questions Health Claims

A recent scientific review has examined popular health claims regarding ancient grains, finding that evidence for their superiority over modern grains is not definitive.

What Are Ancient Grains?

Ancient grains are defined as cereal grains that have undergone minimal genetic change over hundreds of years. This distinguishes them from modern, commonly farmed crops like wheat, which have been shaped by millennia of agricultural practices and selective breeding since the Stone Age.

These ancient grain varieties are currently experiencing a period of increased popularity in consumer markets.

The Core Health Claim

A primary claim associated with ancient grains is that they contain more nutrients than their modern grain counterparts.

This has led to assertions of superior health benefits for consumers who choose ancient grains over modern whole grains.

What the Science Says

According to the scientific review, the evidence supporting these health benefit claims is not conclusive. Scientists involved state that the purported health advantages of ancient grains compared to modern grains are not clearly established or definitive.

The review specifically questions whether ancient grains are nutritionally superior to modern grains.

Grains in the Global Diet

Grains, including rice, wheat, oats, and corn, constitute a significant portion of the global diet. They are primary sources of dietary fiber and carbohydrates, and also provide some protein.

The comparison in the review often centers on ancient grains versus modern whole grains.