Health Benefits of Eating Whole Grains
Health Benefits of Eating Whole Grains
What are whole grains?
Grains are the seeds of grass-like plants called cereals. Some of the most common varieties are corn, rice, and wheat.
Some seeds of non-grass plants, or pseudocereals, are also considered whole grains, including buckwheat, quinoa, and amaranth.
Whole-grain kernels have three parts
- Bran. This is the hard, outer shell. It contains fiber, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Endosperm. The middle layer of the grain is mostly made up of carbs.
- Germ. This inner layer has vitamins, minerals, protein, and plant compounds.
Grains can be rolled, crushed, or cracked. Nonetheless, as long as these three parts are present in their original proportion, they're considered whole grains.
Refined grains have had the germ and bran removed, leaving only the endosperm.
Though enriched refined grains have had some vitamins and minerals added back, they're still not as healthy or nutritious as the whole versions.
Common varieties of whole grains include:
- oatmeal
- popcorn
- millet
- quinoa
- brown rice
- whole rye
- wild rice
- wheat berry
- bulgur
- buckwheat
- freekeh
- barley
- sorghum
Products made from these foods are considered whole grain. These include certain types of bread, pasta, and breakfast cereals.
Health Benefits of Eating Whole Grains
- High in nutrients and fiber
Whole grains deliver many important nutrients. These include:
- Fiber. The bran provides most of the fiber in whole grains.
- Vitamins. Whole grains are particularly high in B vitamins, including niacin, thiamine, and folate
- Minerals. They also contain a good amount of minerals, such as zinc, iron, magnesium, and manganese.
- Protein. Whole grains boast several grams of protein per serving.
- Antioxidants. Many compounds in whole grains act as antioxidants. These include phytic acid, lignans, ferulic acid, and sulfur compounds
- Plant compounds. Whole grains deliver many types of plant compounds that play a role in preventing disease. These include polyphenols, stanols, and sterols
- Lower your risk of heart disease
- Lower your risk of stroke
- Reduce your risk of obesity
- Lower your risk of type 2 diabetes
- Support healthy digestion
- Reduce chronic inflammation
- May reduce your risk of cancer
- Linked to a reduced risk of premature death
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