Fine gradings and gradings by root systems on simple Lie algebras

Given a fine abelian group grading on a finite dimensional simple Lie algebra over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero, with universal grading group $G$, it is shown that the induced grading by the free group $G/\tor(G)$ is a grading by a (not necessarily reduced) root system. Some consequences for the classification of fine gradings on the exceptional simple Lie algebras are drawn.