Epidemiological studies have found that whole wheat consumption is inversely associated with the risk of chronic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The health benefits of whole wheat foods are attributed to their bioactive components, including phytochemicals and dietary fiber. In this review, the current studies regarding bioactive components and their health-promoting roles and the underlying mechanisms were summarized and discussed. The current research advances in processing technologies capable of potentially enhancing the nutritional quality of wheat and wheat-based foods were also included. This review may promote the research, development, and consumption of whole wheat foods in reducing the risk of human chronic diseases.
Keywords: health benefits; phytochemicals; processing technologies; whole wheat foods.