Study links refined grains with increased risk of premature heart disease

Which grains you eat can impact your risk of getting heart disease earlier

In one of the first studies to examine the relationship between different types of grain intake and premature coronary artery disease in the Middle East, researchers found that a higher intake of refined grain was associated with an increased risk of premature coronary artery disease in an Iranian population, while eating whole grains was associated with reduced risk.

According to the researchers, previous epidemiological studies have reported an association between different types of grain intake with the risk of coronary artery disease. The current study evaluated the association between refined and whole grains consumption and risk of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) in an Iranian population.

Whole grains are defined as containing the entire grain, while refined grains have been milled, ground into flour or meal, to improve shelf life but they lose important nutrients in the process.

“As more studies demonstrate an increase in refined grains consumption globally, as well as the impact on overall health, it is important that we find ways to encourage and educate people on the benefits of whole grain consumption,” the researchers said.

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