 | Jack Shelton is Owner of Wheat State Pizza Located in Pittsburg and can be reached at 620-231-9200. Wheat State Pizza concentrates on using fresh wholesome products to create a menu that is more than just delicious. Wheat State Pizza is home to the only 100% whole wheat crust and has earned the Whole Grains Council’s 100% Stamp of approval. |
Food & Drink
2011-09-29 13:00:09
Finding whole grain foods - series - part 2
Q: What are the health benefits of whole grains, and what is the difference between any other grains?
A: Studies consistently show that a diet rich in whole grains significantly lowers the risk of developing cardio vascular disease, including stroke and heart disease, which is a major cause of death in the United States.
In addition to protecting against cardiovascular disease, there is significant evidence that whole grains reduce the chances of developing diabetes and other chronic conditions. The proper intake of whole grains is associated with weight loss, lowering blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol levels.
However, despite these known benefits, people fail to take in enough whole grains. The average American eats less than one serving of whole grains and 40% of Americans never eat whole grains at all.
Part of the problem is failing to understand the difference between, the terms “whole”, “enriched”, and “fortified” when used in products such as breads and cereals.
A grain is “whole” when the entire nutrient rich grain seed is retained- the bran, germ and the endosperm. The bran and germ components are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats. In the refining process, these are the parts removed, leaving behind the energy-dense but nutrient-poor endosperm portion of the grain. Examples of whole grain foods include wild rice, popcorn, oatmeal, brown rice, barley, wheat berries and flours such as whole wheat.
Enriched grains have been refined and some of the nutrients have been lost and added back in. Vitamins such as B are added back in, but the lost fiber is not replaced.
Fortified grains are products that have added nutrients that do not occur naturally in the food.
When they take an account of their diet, most people are astonished at how little whole grains they actually consume. If you want to increase your whole grain intake, make a concerted effort to look for products in the store and restaurant menu items labeled “100% whole grain” and you will be off to a good start.
