ARLINGTON, VA – A recently published medical study provides additional evidence on the importance of rice-based and other ready-to-eat cereals in lowering risks of certain diseases. The study, published in the September 2024 issue of Lancet Regional Health Americas, a peer-reviewed medical journal, examined the association of the intake of certain ultra-processed foods (UPFs) with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke in U.S. adults.
The study found that specific UPF groups, such as sugar-sweetened beverages, processed meats, and artificially sweetened beverages were associated with higher CVD and CHD risk. Other UPFs including ultra-processed savory snacks, cold cereals, and yogurt/dairy-based desserts were associated with lower CVD and CHD risk. Researchers also determined that the UPF groups that had the greatest contribution to energy intake were bread and cereals, sweet snacks and desserts, and ready-to-eat/heat-mixed dishes.
As ready-to-eat cereals are known contributors to adequate intake of certain nutrients of public health concern including folic acid, iron, and fiber, this study will help support consideration of nutritional quality of certain processed foods in future dietary advice and public health actions.
“This new study adds to the strong body of evidence that shows rice-based cereals and other ready-to-eat cereals not only drive consumption of important and often under consumed nutrients, but also help eaters lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, while keeping consumers energized throughout the day,” said Cameron Jacobs, USA Rice vice president of domestic promotion. “This research will certainly be cited as USA Rice continues to advocate that rice, in all forms, remains recommended as part of a healthy diet in all federal guidelines and nutrition programs.”
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