It goes without saying that sugary foods should only be consumed seldom, but it turns out that rice can be equally unhealthy in at least one way.
Bad for your health
A recent study by the American College of Cardiology indicated that a basic plate of rice may not be as good for you as you would have imagined.
In light of this, you might prefer to indulge in an additional treat this Halloween rather than believing that a rice-based meal will be better for your health.
According to the study, rice can be just as hazardous for the heart as sweets since it contains comparable amounts of “unhealthy carbohydrates and oils.”
The results also come from a sizable focus group of 2,500 Iranians with and without a history of coronary artery disease.
When asked how frequently individuals ate processed sugars and grains, the results were, to put it mildly, unexpected.
For those who are unfamiliar with the phrase, refined grains are defined as grains that have undergone processing to create foods like rice, which lessens their nutritious content.
Due to their inherent higher nutritional value, whole grain meals like bread are preferable.
The study indicated that persons who consumed more refined grains, such as those present in rice, had a higher risk of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD), an issue also experienced by those who consume a lot of sweet snacks. This is reflected in the effects of each on the body.
“There are many factors involved in why people may be consuming more refined grains as opposed to whole grains,” said Dr. Mohammad Amin Khajavi Gaskarei, the study’s lead author. “Some of the most important factors to consider include the economy and income, job, education, culture, age, and other similar factors.”
According to him, eating a diet high in unhealthy grains and refined carbohydrates is comparable to eating a diet high in unhealthy sweets and fats.
The CDC provided an explanation of how this occurs, pointing out that refined grains elevate blood sugar levels after consumption because, like sugar, they are digested swiftly by the body.
If it happens frequently, it can harm your heart and blood vessels and cause plaque to accumulate in the artery walls.
But this isn’t the first time refined grain consumption has been advised against for the benefit of your heart.
In a paper released in 2019, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association suggested that individuals consume seafood, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains instead.