Why whole grain?
Choosing a diet richer in whole grains has extreme benefit to prolonging a healthier life. The term "whole grain" means the entire grain was used as an ingredient, and if cooked, the same essential and naturally occurring nutrients would be delivered. Three parts of the grain have to present for it to be considered whole:
1. Bran, which is rich in vitamins, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), magnesium, iron and zinc.
2. Endosperm, which is rich in protein and complex carbohydrates (fiber).
3. Germ, which is also rich in vitamins B1, B2, B3, E, magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorous and natural fat.
When we eat wheat that has been refined, or processed, we are not receiving the full benefits a grain has to offer. The germ and bran are stripped away leaving only the nutrients of the endosperm available. This means the grain is deprived of the B vitamins our bodies need to convert carbohydrates to energy, help repair tissue, and maintain a healthy nervous and digestive system. So, when you think about not going whole grain, remember the nutrients your allowing your body to miss out on!
Benefits
Studies have shown that eating a diet high in whole grains instead of refined ones has been linked to better weight management and a lower risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers and other health problems.There are plenty of whole grain snacks and recipes available! Don't let the lack of knowledge be the reason you miss out on a healthier lifestyle!
This was a great article that was informative, and concise. It simply showed the requirements for a grain to be whole, as well as the reason that whole grains are better than refined grains. Also, it was a good move to show the differences between whole grains and refined grains, because not a lot of people know the difference. The benefits of whole grain are clearly stated in the blog, as well as some great recipes to use for whole grains. I enjoyed the informative article, and how it was easy to read, follow, and understand. Some articles about grains are confusing and difficult to understand, but this was clear and to the point. Good job on your blogging!
ReplyDeleteThe consistency of the article is great and makes the topic easy to understand. The picture aids a lot in visualizing the description given for each of the components of a grain, allowing the concept of the article to make more sense! Because explaining the difference between whole grains and refined grains can be a bit challenging, I would actually consider referencing back to this article. I also like that the benefits were clearly stated and that snack and recipes were linked to this article. It is always so much easy to click on a link where information you need is given, than taking the time to actually look for that information. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI recently had to teach a lesson plan for lower income residents of Phoenix, as part of my community nutrition internship, and one of the topics was on the importance of whole grains. Just like your article, I had to explain and define the benefits of whole grains, in comparison to processed, or refined grains. I think you did a great job of presenting the importance of whole grains, and how each part of the grain is essential for your health. It was easy to read and digest. You also made the material easy to go back to and highlighted the important pieces of information. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThis was very well constructed and provided excellent information to the reader. People involved in nutrition are often quick to inform people of that they should be eating whole grains, but they tend to not provide very much information why it is so beneficial. This blog absolutely fills in all the blanks and gives all the nutritional benefits and is extremely easy to read even for those that are not pursuing a degree in nutrition.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this great information. I have learned the benefits of eating whole grains. I have learned whole grain options and learned about foods that are not whole grain. I never actually considered what the physical difference was between whole grains and refined grains. It is something I had never really thought of. I really like the picture you posted. It really helped understand the different physiological parts of a grain. Thank you for posting the links to the snacks. I learned a lot of great new recipes that I will have to try out. The strawberry-rhubarb fruit bars sound tasty.
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