5 Whole Grains That Are Good For You

You’ve probably heard that you should eat whole grains rather than foods made from processed white flour, but do you know why eating this way is good for you? It’s because whole grain is food in its natural state where the seed is kept whole rather than ground up. There are three parts of the seed that is edible, the endosperm, the germ, and the bran.

Each of these parts holds essential nutrients unlike processed grains such as white bread, white pasta and white rice that have been milled to take away the germ and bran and leave only the endosperm.

The reason this is done is that it gives the product a finer texture and a longer shelf life. In the process, it also takes away its essential nutrients. So, whole grains should always be your choice and you can find them in many different forms including cereals, flour, pasta, rice, and bread.

What nutrients do they contain?

Because eating whole grains is so beneficial to your health, most nutritionists recommend that you eat three servings daily. But even if you only eat one serving a day, it has been shown that you will have reduced your disease risk.

Whole grains are essential for weight management because of the high amounts of fiber that they contain. This fiber helps regulate your blood sugar and will make you feel fuller longer. In addition, whole grains are full of minerals such as iron, selenium, and magnesium and B vitamins such as folate, thiamin, niacin, and riboflavin.

Do whole grains help prevent disease?

Yes, this is absolutely true. The Whole Grains Council has stated that eating whole grains can reduce your chances of heart disease by 25-28 percent, Type 2 diabetes by 21-30 percent and stroke by 30-36 percent. These are huge numbers and need to be taken seriously.

Which grains are the healthiest?

1. Quinoa

Quinoa is not only healthy but it tastes very good. It is different from other grains in that when it’s cooked it becomes fluffy and light and it cooks quickly compared to other grains. Also, its flavor is not overwhelming so it can be combined with other foods. Quinoa is high in protein and low in fat. It also helps regulate cholesterol levels, aids digestion and can help fight off some types of cancer. In addition, it is a great energy source and helps reinforce and strengthen glands, organs, and muscles.

2. Brown rice

As an alternative to white rice, brown rice is the healthy choice. It is more nutritious because it is unprocessed. It is also protein-rich and contains B vitamins and fiber. With its essential nutrients that are not found in many other foods, it is an excellent supplement to your diet. For example, gallstones can be prevented by the fiber that brown rice contains and it is recommended for anyone who might be developing gallstones.