Epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that
diet plays a crucial role in the prevention of chronic diseases such
as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Consumption of cereal grains has gained popularity with whole grain products being regarded as ‘‘healthyfoods” because of their potential protection against life-style and diet related disorders such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovasculardiseases and cancers. This effect is thought to be partly due to their phytochemicals that combat oxidative stress. Overproduction of oxidants can
cause oxidative damage to large biomolecules such as lipids, DNA
and proteins resulting in increased risk for cancer, cardiovascular
and other diseases. Dietary antioxidants may reduce such oxidative damages to biomolecules through several mechanisms .
The importance and health benefits of regular cereal grain consumption
in the prevention of chronic diseases are a focus for
many research laboratories. Current research data suggest that
whole-grains contain more antioxidant phytochemicals than was
previously reported. The aim of this review is to critically
discuss research data pertaining to the antioxidant activities
of cereal grains produced by in vitro and in vivo studies. Such information
has been summarized here for a better understanding of
antioxidant properties of commonly consumed cereal grains
(wheat, corn, rice, barley, sorghum, rye, oats and millet).