A study from Arizona State University, led by Dr. Glenn Gaesser and colleagues, offers a perspective that challenges conventional views on refined grains and cardiovascular health.
Contrary to the widely held belief that refined grain consumption increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the study found no such association.
Refined grains—including white bread, white rice, and white flour—undergo a milling process that removes the bran and germ, extending shelf life.
Although this process reduces fiber and some B vitamins, many refined grains are later enriched with added B vitamins and iron.
Refined grains are used in a wide range of foods, from staple products such as bread, cereals, and pasta to desserts and pastries.
In this research, scientists conducted a comprehensive analysis of data from 17 prospective studies involving a total of 877,462 participants.
The analysis examined consumption of staple grain foods as well as indulgent grain products, including cakes, muffins, and pastries in some studies.
The findings revealed no association between refined grain intake and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
This challenges the prevailing assumption that refined grain consumption contributes to higher cardiovascular risk and suggests the need to reconsider their role within Western dietary patterns.
Although refined grains are a component of the Western diet—which has been linked to higher CVD risk—the study indicates that other factors may be more responsible.
The Western dietary pattern often includes red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, French fries, high-fat dairy products, and refined grains.
According to the researchers, the increased cardiovascular risk associated with this diet may be driven primarily by red and processed meats and sugary drinks rather than refined grains.
Meta-analyses suggest that refined grains themselves do not account for the elevated CVD risk linked to Western dietary habits.
The study’s findings could prompt a reevaluation of future dietary guidelines.
They highlight the importance of a nuanced approach to nutrition science, suggesting that promoting whole grain consumption remains important but may not require eliminating refined grains entirely.
The researchers emphasized that these results should be carefully examined within the broader scientific community to develop a more balanced understanding of refined grains and their health effects.
Given the complexity of diet and its multifaceted impact on health, the findings should be interpreted in the context of overall dietary patterns and lifestyle factors.
Future studies may further clarify the relationship between refined grains and cardiovascular health, helping refine nutritional recommendations.
