A global study found that too many simple carbohydrates in the daily dietRisk of death from heart attacksand increase strokes. The higher risks of a diet high in poor quality carbohydrates, called glycemic, were similar. This did not depend on existing cardiovascular diseases.
How do simple carbohydrates affect the heart?
This is the largest research on a geographically and dietary diverse population on this topic. Previous studies have focused primarily on high-income Western countries. The research team used food questionnaires to measure participants' long-term dietary intake. This allowed them to estimate the glycemic index and the burden of the amount of carbohydrates in a food from diets. During follow-up, 8780 deaths and 8252 major cardiovascular diseases were recorded among participants. The researchers categorized dietary carbohydrate intake depending on whether certain types increased blood sugar more. They then compared this index to the occurrence of cardiovascular disease or death. Those who consumed a diet with the highest 20 percent of the glycemic index were 50 percent more likely to have cardiovascular problems, stroke or death. Existing heart disease was 20 percent more likely to occur. The risks were higher in overweight people.
This study confirms that consuming high amounts of poor quality carbohydrates is a problem worldwide, the authors say. On the other hand, diets rich in high-quality carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables and legumes have positive effects. Most fruits, vegetables, beans, and intact whole grains have a low glycemic index, while white bread, rice, and potatoes raise blood sugar quickly.The present study resultse, along with previous publications, highlight that too many simple carbohydrates are probably more detrimental than most fats. This requires a fundamental shift in thinking about which types of diets are likely to be harmful and which are neutral or beneficial.
