Why Are Whole Grain Foods So Important?

By Scott Davis

Health studies have shown that people who eat a diet rich in whole grains have a lower risk of diabetes and that whole grain foods can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Reading the names of the healthy parts of the whole grains is about as fun as reading the dictionary. Terms such as antioxidants (useful chemicals against aging), lignans (a chemical found in the cell walls of plants that has been associated with reduced risks of breast cancer), phenolic acids (plant metabolites which have been found to be natural and powerful antioxidants), phytoestrogens (found to be helpful in reducing risks of cancer, osteoporosis and cardiovascular problems) are all found in whole grains. All the scientific jargon may be confusing, but the bottom line is clear: whole grains should be a key part of our daily diet.

What We Need

We want to believe in our modern and sophisticated society that natural means better; we see many brands at the market that claim to be natural, knowing the appeal that the word has for most people. They however add all kinds of chemicals that that harm our body and destroy all the healthy properties of whole grain food. Wheat is perhaps the most important component of our daily diet, and yet we refine it to the point where all its nutritious properties have been destroyed. Because whole wheat bread takes longer to digest (fibers), we feel sated (full) more quickly, thus eating less calories. Our sugar levels do not spike because carbs are assimilated very slowly. Finally, whole wheat and other whole grains are 100% natural and that's what our body requires.

Whole Wheat and Whole Grains

Some people wonder about how whole grain and whole wheat are actually defined. Whole wheat is whole grain. Whole wheat has the essential components still included, specifically, the bran, the endosperm and the germ.

Many people tend to not like whole wheat products. Like bread for example. They think it's to course and heavy. If you make your own bread, we suggest you buy white whole wheat flour. It is made from a different type of wheat, but with all the ingredients of whole grain. You could also mix a low percentage of white refined flour (20%) with the regular whole wheat flour and still get some healthy bread that's light and fluffy.

You can bake all kinds of delicious things with whole wheat flour. From muffins to cookies, the list is endless. Giving the kids their daily ration of whole wheat will not only keeps them healthy but also teaches them to have a healthy diet.

Putting it Together

Don't forget to combine whole wheat products with the other healthy nutrients. Wheat alone doesn't make for the perfect diet. Low fat milk products, lean cut meats, beans, vegetables and fruits all contribute to a well rounded, healthy diet. - 17269

About the Author:

Whole wheat pancakes can give you a healthy jump start on the day. With a convenient whole wheat pancake mix breakfast is quick to make.