Which part of a grain kernel is known to be rich in fiber and recommended to reduce heart disease risk?

The bran is the outer layer of the grain kernel, and it is known for being particularly rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Fiber is essential for a healthy diet and plays a significant role in reducing the risk of heart disease. It helps lower cholesterol levels, control blood sugar, and maintain a healthy weight, all of which are beneficial for heart health. The fiber in bran can also promote healthy digestion by aiding bowel regularity.

The germ is the part of the kernel that contains essential fatty acids and is the source of vitamins and minerals, but it is not as high in fiber as the bran. The hull, which is the inedible outer covering of the grain, is mostly removed during processing and is not nutritionally beneficial. The endosperm is the starchy inner part of the grain, supplying energy, but it is low in fiber compared to the bran. Thus, the bran stands out as the component of the grain kernel that is most associated with reducing heart disease risk due to its high fiber content.