Health Benefits of Whole Grain
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Whole Grains and Your Health
In
a review of seven major studies, the researchers found that higher whole grain
intake was consistently linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. On
average, adults who ate 2.5 servings of whole grains per day were nearly
one-quarter less likely to develop cardiovascular disease than their peers who
rarely consumed whole grains. Whole
grains are believed to benefit the heart in a number of ways. The fiber and
other nutrients in whole grains may help lower cholesterol, blood sugar and
insulin levels, as well as improve blood vessel functioning and reduce
inflammation in the circulatory system.
Yet, surveys show that few Americans get the recommended three servings
of whole grains per day, according to the authors of the new study. More than
40 percent of U.S. adults say they eat no whole grains at all. "Years
ago, scientists hypothesized that the higher rates of chronic diseases we have
in the West, including heart disease, are due, in part, to a diet full of
processed foods," Mellen said. This idea has
been born out, he added, in the lower rates of obesity, high cholesterol and
heart problems seen in people who eat more whole grains. Whole Grains are the seeds of plants that belong to the grass family.
This seed, also known as the kernel, is made up of three key parts: the bran,
the germ, and the endosperm. But
when a grain is refined, most of the bran and some of the germ is removed,
resulting in losses of fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, trace minerals, heart
healthy fats, and about 75 percent of the phytonutrients. Examples of refined
grain products include anything made with white flour such as white breads,
pasta, and crackers. Other examples include white rice and corn flakes
cereal. A whole grain can be a single food, such as oatmeal, brown rice,
barley, or popcorn, or an ingredient in another food such as bread or cereal.
Whole grains include whole wheat, whole oats/oatmeal, whole-grain corn, popcorn,
brown rice, whole rye, whole-grain barley, wild rice, buckwheat, bulgur
(cracked wheat), millet, quinoa, and sorghum. Other less common whole grains
include amaranth, emmer, farro, granp (lightly pearled wheat), spelt, and wheat berries. Article brought to you by The Wholefood Farmacy. Visit this source of health foods that are as unique as their names. It is FREE to sign up to receive a website like the one you will be directed to, and to be a wholesale customer. No purchase necessary for as long as you like, no sign-up fee when you are signing up. Give it a try, enjoy your website and your free back office, and see where it leads you.
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