ABSTRACT
Humans consume cereal grains as a staple food and primary energy source. Whole-grain cereals and cereal-based foods have several important health benefits and play a preventive role against disease in human health. Whole cereal grains contain a substantial amount of nutrients like dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins essential for human health. Evidence shows that cereal grains contain appreciable amounts of phytochemicals, like antioxidants and phytoestrogens, which may be notably responsible for their beneficial role. It is also to be noted that modern grain milling methods remove the bran of the grain, in which these beneficial compounds are concentrated. So, compared to refined grain products, whole grains are more nutritious because of the presence of bran. Currently, cereals like rice, wheat, barley, oat, millet, corn, buckwheat, brown rice, sorghum, flaxseed psyllium, and other products are used as cereal-based functional foods and nutraceuticals. Both whole-grain cereals and pseudocereals have a significant role in reducing the risk of several diseases like diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, cancer, and tumor incidence; lowering cholesterol and fat absorption rate; delaying gastrointestinal emptying; and providing good gastrointestinal health. Thus, daily consumption of cereals through diet and processed products can improve health and help prevent disease in humans.
