Does white bread hurt your heart?

Could your choice between white bread and wheat bread make a difference in your heart health?

A recent study says yes!

Women who eat white bread, white rice, and other processed grain products double their risk of heart disease.  Scary – just one small thing can make a big difference.

We’ve know for a long time eating whole grains decreases a woman’s risk of heart disease. Now we know avoiding highly processed grains is important as well.

What should you do?

• Look for the stamp: The Whole Grain Stamp is a great tool to help you make healthier selections.  You should aim for 48 or more grams of whole grains per serving. The stamp will clearly tell you how many grams per serving the product contains.  Easy.
• Avoid enriched and look for whole grain: Enriched means processed or “white.”  Choose products which list whole grain as the first ingredient.
• Go wild or brown: When eating rice, choose a brown, whole grain or wild rice.
• Rev up breakfast: Most of us are creatures of habit when it comes to breakfast.  Make the most of your habit by including whole grains.  I start most days with a 100% Whole Wheat Mini-Bagel, which gives me nearly half of my daily requirement!

Be kind to your heart and get some whole grains!

Eliz Greene survived a massive heart attack while seven-months pregnant with twins, struggled to lose the 80 pounds gained during her pregnancy, and searched for a way to hold on to the perspective and passion she found in her near-death experience. Drawing on her background as an adaptive movement specialist, Eliz developed simple strategies and tips to help other busy women be more active, eat better and manage your stress.

As the Director of the Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative, Eliz travels the country energizing and inspiring audiences in keynotes and workshops on women’s heart health. She writes one of the top 50 health and wellness blogs. Find more at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com.