In April 2019 researchers from the Republic of Korea and the USA published the results of their study to assess the association between refined grain consumption and the incidence of hypertension. A total of 5,018 individuals (2,439 men; 2,579 women; aged 40-69 years) with no history of hypertension were involved in the study. Blood pressure levels and antihypertensive use were assessed biennially during an 8-year follow-up. Information on dietary intake including refined grains was collected via a food frequency questionnaire at the start of the study and during follow-up. A total of 1,377 cases of high blood pressure levels (710 men; 667 women) were diagnosed during the follow-up period. Results showed that women who frequently consumed noodles (5+ servings/week) had a 2.3-fold higher risk of high blood pressure than those who consumed noodles occasionally. However, no significant association was found among men. The intake of other refined grain products such as white rice and bread was not associated with the risk of hypertension.
Kim J et al. Noodle consumption is positively associated with incident hypertension in middle-aged and older Korean women. Nutr Res Pract. 2019 Apr;13(2):141-149