We all know that lollies aren’t good for our health. They’re packed with sugar, high in calories, and can lead to other problems such as cavities, weight gain, and diabetes… But it seems that these sweet treats aren’t the only food items we should be watching out for.

According to a new study, white rice and pasta can be just as bad for your heart as lollies.

A group of researchers in Iran analysed the risk of heart disease among people whose diets were high in refined grains compared to those who usually consumed whole grains.

They studied 1,168 healthy patients and compared them to 1,369 patients with coronary artery disease. The participants were then made to answer a food frequency questionnaire to measure how often they ate whole and refined grains.

Uh oh! It’s time to switch up your diet. Source: Puregym​

They found that those who ate refined grains–processed to give them a finer texture and longer shelf life–were more likely to develop coronary artery disease later in life. Meanwhile, those who ate more whole grains saw a reduced risk.

Dr Mohammad Amin Khajavi Gaskarei, who led the study, explained that the damage done by a diet high in these types of grains was similar to eating lots of junk food.

‘A diet that includes consuming a high amount of unhealthy and refined grains can be considered similar to consuming a diet containing a lot of unhealthy sugars and oils.’ he said.

Refined grains are broken down rapidly by the body because they have been stripped of fibre, which eventually leads to a spike in blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the heart’s blood vessels and nerves, resulting in a build-up of plaque in the artery walls.

Most of the crackers, puddings, and pasta available in supermarkets are made with refined grains.

On the other hand, whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, and whole-wheat bread, contain the entire grain.

Eating whole grains is never a bad idea! Source: Unsplash​

Dr Gaskarei said: ‘As more studies demonstrate an increase in the consumption of refined grains globally, as well as its overall impact on health, it is important that we find ways to encourage and educate people about the benefits of whole grain consumption.’

One person dies every 34 seconds in the US from heart disease and it was responsible for one in five deaths in 2020.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common kind of heart disease.

According to Heart Research Australia, heart disease is the country’s leading single cause of death, with a total of 18,590 deaths linked to heart disease in 2017.

‘Heart disease kills one Australian every 28 minutes. Keeping your heart healthy, whatever your age, is the most important thing you can do to help prevent and manage heart disease.’ the website read.

The 2019 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association’s guideline on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease says that all adults should focus on eating whole grains, as well as vegetables, fruits, nuts, sources of protein, and fish.

Learn more about whether white rice is bad or good for you by watching the video below:

Source: Healthline​

 

[Suzanne rose]

We use mostly wholemeal bread.

My 22 year old son and 21 year old daughter only eat brown rice and sometimes basmati rice,

My daughter studied diets and food as part of her uni degree , she is also a personal trainer she has said limit rice and breads. The best bread is Country Split.

Protein is important in your diet as this is what will keep you full and stop cravings and snacking.

Also important to add plenty of vegies and salad
If you like eggs then a great way to start your day by having protein.

 

[Ashmenou]

If the article was true, most asians and Italians were dead by now

 

[Cher]

What we don't know is who has funded the research. The food industry is rife with corruption, especially where research is concerned.
Nutrition recommendations have been mostly Eurocentric and fail to consider the cultural significance of foods like white rice and pasta. It’s not only a staple food in many different cultures, but is also enjoyed in combination with a protein source and vegetables. The fact that white rice and pasta are usually enjoyed with proteins and vegetables is also often overlooked. Some of the misconceptions about white rice and pasta being ‘less healthy’ only consider it as a stand-alone ingredient, which isn’t how it’s used in daily life. Rather than focusing on specific nutrients in one ingredient, it’s more helpful to consider a recipe or meal as a whole.
Like anything, moderation is the key.

 

[joshram]

We all know that lollies aren’t good for our health. They’re packed with sugar, high in calories, and can lead to other problems such as cavities, weight gain, and diabetes… But it seems that these sweet treats aren’t the only food items we should be watching out for.

According to a new study, white rice and pasta can be just as bad for your heart as lollies.

A group of researchers in Iran analysed the risk of heart disease among people whose diets were high in refined grains compared to those who usually consumed whole grains.

They studied 1,168 healthy patients and compared them to 1,369 patients with coronary artery disease. The participants were then made to answer a food frequency questionnaire to measure how often they ate whole and refined grains.

Uh oh! It’s time to switch up your diet. Source: Puregym​

They found that those who ate refined grains–processed to give them a finer texture and longer shelf life–were more likely to develop coronary artery disease later in life. Meanwhile, those who ate more whole grains saw a reduced risk.

Dr Mohammad Amin Khajavi Gaskarei, who led the study, explained that the damage done by a diet high in these types of grains was similar to eating lots of junk food.

‘A diet that includes consuming a high amount of unhealthy and refined grains can be considered similar to consuming a diet containing a lot of unhealthy sugars and oils.’ he said.

Refined grains are broken down rapidly by the body because they have been stripped of fibre, which eventually leads to a spike in blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the heart’s blood vessels and nerves, resulting in a build-up of plaque in the artery walls.

Most of the crackers, puddings, and pasta available in supermarkets are made with refined grains.

On the other hand, whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, and whole-wheat bread, contain the entire grain.

Eating whole grains is never a bad idea! Source: Unsplash​

Dr Gaskarei said: ‘As more studies demonstrate an increase in the consumption of refined grains globally, as well as its overall impact on health, it is important that we find ways to encourage and educate people about the benefits of whole grain consumption.’

One person dies every 34 seconds in the US from heart disease and it was responsible for one in five deaths in 2020.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common kind of heart disease.

According to Heart Research Australia, heart disease is the country’s leading single cause of death, with a total of 18,590 deaths linked to heart disease in 2017.

‘Heart disease kills one Australian every 28 minutes. Keeping your heart healthy, whatever your age, is the most important thing you can do to help prevent and manage heart disease.’ the website read.

The 2019 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association’s guideline on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease says that all adults should focus on eating whole grains, as well as vegetables, fruits, nuts, sources of protein, and fish.

Learn more about whether white rice is bad or good for you by watching the video below:

Source: Healthline​

This is very old news. Anyone who hasn't yet heard of the reasons for low carbing has been keeping their head in the sand. Dr Atkins developed a low carb diet in the 1970s to improve his patients' heart conditions.