If you think a diet that includes carbohydrates is a diet that promotes weight gain, and if you have been avoiding the consumption of carbohydrates because you feel this way, it may benefit you to know this notion is not exactly true. According to the findings in one study, women who consumed a minimum of one serving of carbohydrates in the form of whole grains every day had a lower body mass index and a smaller waist than women who did not consume whole grains.

 

The weight of women who ate more whole grains every day was lower than that of women whose consumption of whole grains was less, revealed another study. Experts have also discovered that eating whole-grain foods lowers one’s risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and diabetes (type 2). So why are whole grains protective against weight gain and these health disorders? They are because they contain fiber that makes you feel full, and they contain other phytochemicals that work as antioxidants to keep you healthy.

 

The best carbohydrates to consume are complex carbohydrates such as oatmeal, brown rice, and popcorn. Shredded wheat is good too. Some additional whole grains include barley, corn, wild rice, amaranth, buckwheat, bulgur, whole cornmeal, spelt, whole rye, wheat berries, whole wheat bread, and whole wheat pasta. Besides eating these foods to stay trim, you should eat oatmeal to prevent heart disease, brown rice to relax, and popcorn because it contains lots of vitamins and minerals and tastes delicious. It is important to note that since brown rice contains more arsenic than other grains, it is recommended that you avoid taking in too much brown rice.

 

When shopping for whole grain foods, look for words like whole and whole grain on the packaging. Some foods may have the Whole Grains Council stamp on the packaging, which is there for the purpose of letting you know the product is a bonafide whole grain food. Keep in mind 16 grams of whole grains equals one serving. If you want a lean and healthy body, eat whole grain foods.

      

 

References:

“Younger Next Week;” Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN; 2014

 

“Superfoods Health Style”; Steven G. Pratt, M.D., and Kathy Matthews; 2006

 

“The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods;” James A. Duke, PhD; 2008