A research by Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota and the Department of Epidemiology and Cardiovascular Diseases Program, University of North Carolina has revealed that whole grain cereals can ward off heart failure risk. The researchers used data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) for their study. They analyzed the results of baseline exams of more than 14,000 White and African American adults conducted in 1987-89, with follow-up exams completed during 1990-92, 1993-95, and 1996-98. By whole-grain foods the researchers meant oatmeal or grits, whole-grain cold cereal, and whole-grain or dark bread.