One type of phytonutrient especially abundant in whole grains including whole wheat are plant lignans, which are converted by friendly flora in our intestines into mammalian lignans, including one called enterolactone that is thought to protect against breast and other hormone - dependent cancers as well as heart disease. (whfoods.org)
In a study of postmenopausal women, those eating the most whole grains, including brown rice, were found to have significantly higher blood levels of enterolactone. (ahealthblog.com)
People who eat more whole grains have higher levels of serum enterolactone. (health.gov)