Claims that white bread is bad for heart and blood vessels disproved

Consuming large amounts of refined grain products from bread, rice, and pasta does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to researchers from Arizona State University. Their article was published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

The scientists conducted a meta-analysis of 17 studies involving 877 thousand people. They evaluated the effects on the cardiovascular system of foods containing refined grains: bread, cereal, pasta, white rice, and baked goods. It turned out that refined grains alone were not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

This work calls into question the widespread belief that refined grains are harmful. The study's authors suggested that the negative effects of refined grains are due to the fact that they are often combined with red meat, fatty foods and sugary drinks, which increase the risk of heart and vascular disease.

Although efforts to promote the consumption of whole grains should be continued, this does not necessarily mean abandoning refined grains.

Refined grains are obtained by removing the bran and germ of the grain. This process extends the shelf life of grains but reduces their fiber and B vitamin content. They are therefore often artificially enriched with additional B vitamins and iron.

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