In a new study, the first of its kind, the type of grain a person consumes was shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases – in particular premature coronary artery disease (PCAD).
The research, which studied PCAD in the Middle East, analysed those who ate a higher intake of refined grains, and found they were associated with increased risk, while those who consumed more whole grains had a reduced risk.
Whole grains are defined are those which contain the entire grain, whereas refined grains go through a process whereby there are milled such as into flour.
This process is said to help improve shelf life, however, they are also known to lose important nutrients in the process.
Refined grain examples include white flour, rice and bread, many cereals, crackers, desserts or pastries. Whole grains include barley, brown rice, buckwheat, millet or oatmeal.
The study's findings were presented at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Middle East 2022 Together with the 13th Emirates Cardiac Society Congress which will took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, between October 7 and 9 this year.
According to the researchers, previous studies have reported an obvious association between different types of grain consumption and increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Researchers came to this conclusion when looking at over 2099 participants with PCAD.
Participants were given a food frequency questionnaire to help determine their dietary habits and to help researchers evaluate the link between different grain consumption and the risk of PCAD without a prior diagnoses of heart disease.
Researchers found that having a higher intake of refined grains in the diet was associated with an increased risk of PCAD, while whole grain consumption was inversely related to reduced risk.
What is PCAD?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease occurring when deposits of cholesterol and other substances build up in the arteries leading to the heart and is a major cause of death in the UK.
Over time and if left untreated, this builds up eventually leads to heart failure or a heart attack.
PCAD is coronary artery disease that occurs in younger adults and is sometimes referred to as early-onset CAD.
Symptoms of PCAD
Health experts warn PCAD is more common among women with possible early signs of the disease including:
- Fatigue no matter how much rest
- Abdominal cramps and pains
- Feelings of anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Indigestion
“There are many factors involved in why people may be consuming more refined grains as opposed to whole grains and these cases differ between people, but some of the most important factors to consider include the economy and income, job, education, culture, age and other similar factors,” said Dr Mohammad Amin Khajavi Gaskarei, MD, of the Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center and Cardiovascular Research Institute at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Isfahan, Iran, and the study’s lead author.
He added: “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.
“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.”
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