Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as coronary artery disease, remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
It develops when the coronary arteries narrow due to the buildup of plaque—a mixture of fat, cholesterol, and other substances.
Over time, this accumulation can stiffen and restrict the arteries, significantly impairing blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of serious cardiac events.
For decades, researchers have observed that people in Japan have a notably lower risk of dying from heart disease than those in many Western countries, particularly from coronary heart disease.
This advantage is often attributed to the traditional Japanese diet, which is widely believed to contribute to the nation’s long life expectancy.
Rice plays a central role in this dietary pattern, serving as a staple food that is typically eaten alongside a variety of other dishes.
Rice vs. Bread vs. Noodles
To better understand the relationship between rice consumption and heart health, researchers from Gifu University analyzed data from the Takayama Study, a large population-based cohort. The study included 13,355 men and 15,724 women aged 35 and older.
Participants’ dietary habits were assessed using a detailed food frequency questionnaire, allowing researchers to compare the health effects of different staple grains, including rice, bread, and noodles.
The results showed a clear association between frequent rice consumption and a lower risk of heart disease–related death in men. Interestingly, this protective effect was not observed to the same extent in women. In contrast, neither bread nor noodles were significantly associated with reduced heart disease mortality in either sex.
The researchers also found that people who regularly chose rice tended to follow a broader dietary pattern that may support heart health. Rice consumption was linked to higher intakes of soy products and seaweed, along with lower consumption of meat and eggs.
This suggests that rice itself may not be the sole protective factor. Instead, choosing rice as a staple may encourage healthier food combinations overall, which together could help reduce the risk of heart disease.
The Takeaway
For those concerned about cardiovascular health, this study suggests that a rice-based diet may offer benefits—particularly when paired with traditional side dishes such as soy products and seaweed.
However, the findings are based on a Japanese population, and more research is needed to determine whether the same effects apply to other cultural and dietary contexts.
Previous studies have also pointed to potential heart-health benefits from foods such as yogurt and natural coconut sugar, which have been linked to lower mortality from heart disease and improvements in blood pressure and arterial stiffness.
Overall, the research adds another layer to our understanding of diet and heart health, highlighting that it is not only what we eat, but also how foods are combined within an overall dietary pattern, that may make the biggest difference.
