Many times when you are reading up on how to eat healthier you often hear, "eat more whole grains." Well, eating more is fine but I need to know what the benefits are too.
What are whole grains?
Whole grains or foods made from them contain all the essential parts and naturally-occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed. [Source: Whole Grains Council] Whole grains are minimally processed and include the bran, germ, and endosperm. Some examples of whole grains are:
- Oats
- Wild rice
- Millet
- Barley
- Quinoa
- Wheat
- Corn
Benefits of eating whole grains
There are excellent benefits to eating whole grains. For one, they help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. You've probably heard about eating oatmeal to help reduce bad cholesterol. I eat oatmeal almost every day primarily for that reason. Eating them also help to regulate blood glucose levels which is great for people who follow the glycemic index. Many whole grains are also excellent sources of fiber which is important for keeping us regular.
100% whole grains versus multi-grain, bran, and cracked wheat
One thing I didn't know is that some products are not truly whole-grain. Be on the look out for products labled "multi-grain", "bran", or "cracked wheat." They sound nice and healthy but many times they are not. A true whole-grain product will have "whole" in the ingredients or have a whole grain label attached to it. Also, don't let the color fool you. I am guilty of purchasing products just because they are brown. The color is often added and has nothing to do with having the benefits of whole grains.
Knowing how to shop for true whole-grain products will help a lot next time I'm at the supermarket. It's also nice knowing what exactly some of the benefits are. My favorite for sure is the cholesterol lowering benefit. Especially since high cholesterol runs in the family.
Below are great resources for learning more about whole-grains:
The Whole Truth about Whole Grains
