296. Eating refined grains linked to earlier heart disease
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
A new study shows that eating more refined grains, like white flour, white rice and white bread, is linked to an increased risk of premature coronary artery disease. In the study, presented at the American College of Cardiology Middle East 2022, researchers analyzed over 2,000 Iranian adults with premature coronary artery disease. They had the participants fill out detailed questionnaires to assess their dietary behaviors. They observed that a higher intake of refined grains was associated with an increased risk of premature coronary artery disease. Eating more whole grains was associated with a reduced risk of coronary artery disease, which ultimately can lead to heart attacks. The American College of Cardiology recommends that adults minimize refined grains and instead eat fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and fish to decrease the risk of heart disease.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
