People who reported eating 12 ounces of refined grains a day were found to have 27% higher odds of early death and a 33% higher risk of heart disease than those who limited their intake to less than 2 ounces a day.
A diet heavy in refined grains was also linked to higher blood pressure, the findings showed.
The participants self-reported the quantity and type of grains in their diet, so the researchers noted that they can’t vouch for accuracy of that data.
The study looked at white rice apart from other refined grains because more than 60% of participants lived in Asia, where rice is a staple.
Dehghan said no significant link was found between eating whole grains or white rice and adverse health outcomes.
“Getting about 50% to 60% of energy from carbohydrates is OK, but we encourage people to lower their carbohydrate consumption,” she said.
The report was published online Feb. 3 in the BMJ.
Samantha Heller, a senior clinical nutritionist at NYU Langone Health in New York City, reviewed the findings.
“We can all benefit by including more whole grains, such as quinoa, barley, kasha, whole wheat, oats and corn, in our daily fare,” Heller said.
