Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality globally, and dietary patterns, including grain intake, are often implicated in its development. This meta-analysis examined refined grain consumption as a distinct category to clarify its relationship with CVD risk, analyzing data from 17 prospective cohort studies (>875,000 participants).
Heart health
Perspective: Refined Grains and Health: Genuine Risk, or Guilt by Association? (May 2019)
Refined grains are often implicated in adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and obesity, largely based on dietary pattern studies. This perspective challenges the assumption that refined grains are inherently harmful, emphasizing the need to distinguish refined grains from other elements of the Western dietary pattern.
CIMMYT Series on Carbohydrates, Wheat, Grains, and Health: Part 3 Their Relation to Digestion, Digestive Disorders, Blood Glucose, and Inflammation (February 2016)
The final installment in this series examines how carbohydrates (CHOs), grains, and whole grains affect digestion, gut health, and chronic diseases. It explores their influence on the microbiome, glycemic response, inflammation, and immune function, while addressing gluten-related disorders such as celiac disease.
Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Health Implications of Dietary Fiber (November 2015)
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics emphasizes the importance of consuming adequate dietary fiber from diverse plant sources. Fiber intake is associated with reduced risks of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, as well as lower body weight.
Whole-grain foods and chronic disease: evidence from epidemiological and intervention studies (June 2015)
Whole-grain (WG) foods play a vital role in dietary recommendations, offering carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and key nutrients. Increased WG consumption is consistently linked to health benefits.
