Cereal grains and products have gained popularity in contributing to healthy eating behavior because of
their antioxidant properties associated with protection against chronic diseases. In this review, notable
studies on the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of commonly consumed cereal grains are summarized.
Cereals contain phytochemicals or certain minor components with antioxidant properties. The
antioxidant potential of cereals depends on their bioaccessibility, absorption in the gastrointestinal
and their bioavailability utilization in vivo. The in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and fermentation of
cereals increased their antioxidant potentials which are significantly correlated with their total phenolic
contents. Most studies performed in vivo have been concerned with the antioxidant properties of colored
rice, wheat bran and rye products. There are inadequate in vitro and in vivo studies on antioxidative
potentials of fermented versus unfermented cereals. Therefore, further studies are necessary to maximize
possible health benefits of cereal antioxidative phytochemicals.