Learn the nutrition benefits of whole grains How can consumers break through the clutter to make the right choices when it comes to grains? It appears there is a whole lot of confusion about whole grains.
"Consumers often mistake multigrain or 100% wheat products as being whole grain foods," says Sue Mah, registered dietitian and sports nutritionist, "The truth is that neither are whole grains. Multigrain simply means that more than one grain has been used in the recipe. 100% wheat means that wheat is the only grain that is present in
the food. On the other hand, whole wheat is indeed a whole grain."
Understanding what a whole grain is and its benefits is important. In the past, whole grains were seen largely as a vehicle for fibre. As a component of whole grain, fibre contributes to the health benefits of whole grain.
However, whole grains also contain vitamins, minerals and literally hundreds of phytonutrients, including phytoestrogens, antioxidants and phenols. These compounds work together with fibre to play an important role in helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
With whole grains, the whole truly is greater than the sum of each individual part. Whole grain foods contain all three layers of the grain -- the bran (containing the fibre), the endosperm (containing carbs and proteins) and the germ (containing B and E vitamins). Each layer is packed with important nutrients, and together, they work to help lower blood cholesterol, manage your weight and reduce your chances of developing heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
"It's time for Canadians to go with the whole grain," says Mah, "The vitamins, minerals, fibre and phytochemicals found in whole grains offer protection against heart disease by helping to lower blood cholesterol levels."
And it's now easier than ever to make whole grains part of your daily menu. General Mills, for example, will be adding whole grains to 100% of its cereals. You can also try making sandwiches on whole wheat bread instead of white bread or cook barley or bulgur as an alternative to white rice."
Richard Moore is the Founder an President of Everything Health and Beauty! For Men and Women Everything Health and Beauty for Men and Women was established to provide information, tips and reviews relevant to all things pertaining to Health, Beauty, Fitness and Wellness. We are quickly growing and becoming one of the most popular internet health, beauty, fitness and wellness resource sites available. We give you new and innovative, up to date real and honest information.
