Most of us know the answer to the commonly posed question…”are whole grains healthier than refined grains?” If you answered “yes”, you’re absolutely right!
But do you know why?
Too often we blindly go about our food choices selecting what someone else claims to be healthy for us. In order for us to be truly educated consumers, we need to question and learn why it is we’ve pegged certain foods as healthier than their counterparts.
So, let’s talk grains…
Put simply, refined grains start as whole grains, but go through a milling process to remove the bran and the germ. In turn, many important nutrients (fiber, B vitamins, iron and other minerals) are removed along with those components during processing.
If nutrients are being removed then why do companies refine their grains? For longer shelf life and different (sometimes more desirable) texture.
That’s why it’s up to YOU as the consumer to understand the simple differences between foods! We eat to nourish our bodies, so why not nourish it with as many nutrient-dense foods as possible.
Not only do whole grains pack more of a nutrient punch than refined grains, but they also offer a host of other health benefits giving us more of a reason to make all of our grains whole:
- Lower risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Lower “bad” cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.
- Improved blood sugar control.
- Beneficial for digestion.
Whole grains demonstrate a number of reasons to classify themselves as nourishing to the body. If you’re new to whole grains, you may want to start by making half of the grains you consume in a day, whole grains. Slowly work your way up to making all of your grains whole grains as you become adjusted to the difference in taste and texture.
Written by Gina Campanella, Intern Lehman College