MSNBC - Whole-grain food: Good (for you) in many ways

MSNBC - Whole-grain food: Good (for you) in many ways

From the NBC Today Show:

"Q: What food group is so nutritious it can help you reduce your risk for major diseases, improve regularity and help reduce weight (and also is chewy, delicious and filling)?

A: Whole grains!"

Yup, we knew that, but here's more comments :

"Why are whole grains so important?
Whole grains or foods made from them contain all the essential parts and naturally occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed. The outer skin of the seed is the B vitamin-, antioxidant- and fiber-rich bran; the germ (or embryo) holds the protein, minerals and healthy fats; and the endosperm (the main part of the grain between the bran and the germ) has the proteins, carbohydrates and smaller quantities of vitamins and minerals. The bran and germ contain 25 percent of the protein in whole grains and many nutrients. When highly processed, these valuable nutrients and proteins are lost (not to mention healthful fiber).

How do whole grains fight disease?
One of the most important things in whole grains is fiber, a key to good intestinal health and lower cholesterol levels. If you don’t eat foods with enough fiber, toxins increase and stay in the body, which can lead to chronic constipation, lethargy and the potential for disease. The other healthful ingredients in whole grains play an important part in overall health: Antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and protein in whole grains keep our bodies healthy, operating efficiently and increase our strength.

Research has shown that just three daily servings (or 48 grams) of whole grains can reduce the risk of heart disease by 25 percent to 36 percent, strokes by 37 percent, Type II diabetes by 21 percent to 27 percent, digestive system cancers by 21 percent to 43 percent and hormone-related cancers by 10 percent to 40 percent. Although whole grains are best, partially processed ones also offer healthful benefits. If the grain has been cracked, crushed, rolled, extruded, lightly pearled and/or cooked but retains both the bran and germ, it will deliver approximately the same rich balance of nutrients found in the original grain seed. "

---

Important Point :

"Only 10 percent of the supermarket inventory is whole grains or foods made with whole grains. That means it’s important to read labels of packaged food products. One key to making good choices is to remember that whole-grain means ALL the nutrients are still in the food; white flour and products made from white flour means ALL or most of the nutrients are processed out."