30 Sep 2022 --- A metastudy published in Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine shows that high consumption of refined grains does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, coronary heart disease, heart attack or failure, contrary to previous research. “Refined grains are typically included in the Western dietary pattern, including red and processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, french fries and high-fat dairy products. Research shows that these foods, especially red and processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages, are the real culprits in this dietary pattern,” says Dr. Glenn Gaesser, author of the new study and professor in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University.