Refined grains are bad for your heart

Refined grains like white bread (front) are associated with a higher risk of heart disease and death, compared to whole grains like whole wheat bread (middle). — Filepic

High intake of highly processed (refined) grains is associated with higher risk of heart, or cardiovascular, disease and death than whole (unrefined) grains, finds a study published by The BMJ on Feb 3.

Cereal grains, such as oats, rice, barley and wheat make up around 50% of daily caloric intake across the world and up to 70% in low and middle income countries, particularly in Africa and South Asia.