The Whole Concept of Whole Grains

Fiber Present in Whole Grains Keeps a Person Full for Longer Time Periods

A study has revealed that people are confused about two things with respect to whole grains-the quantity of whole grains they should consume and where to find whole grains in food. On the positive side, more than 8 in 10 people realize the goodness of whole grains and its positive effect on our health, but they have misconceptions about the foods that contain these whole grains and almost 83% of people don’t know how many grams they should eat in a day.

One in 10 think bananas come under the whole grain umbrella while one in five believe it to be typically present in white bread. Some even assume whole grains to be a part of nuts and seeds!

Grains, Whole Grains
Rice, oats and wheat are different grains. Certain foods use only the inside portion of these grains and they are not-so-healthy. Whole-grain foods include the inside, outside and every side of the grain-the entire grain to be precise!

Whole grains are an indispensable part of a balanced diet and the WHO recommends increasing the intake of whole grains along with increased intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts to reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer. Every individual is advised to consume at least 6 to 8 servings of grain foods a day, specifically whole grains which are powerhouses of fiber.

Include Whole Grains in your Everyday Foods
We can include whole grains in our everyday meal by replacing certain foods with certain other foods:

• Instead of white bread or wheat bread, you can eat whole-wheat bread or rye bread
• Instead of white rice, you can include brown rice
• Instead of regular pasta, you can cook whole-wheat or whole-grain pasta
• Instead of corn flakes, you can eat bran flakes or other bran cereal
• Instead of regular crackers, you can eat popcorn (without butter)
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Oatmeal, whole oats, whole-grain barley, whole-wheat bulgur, whole rye and brown rice are some of the authentic whole grains. Read more on whole grains, its variant benefits and ways to incorporate them in our everyday meal at the website www.firsteatright.com.