Whole Grains Nutritional Powerhouse

 

Healthiest Whole Grains 

Whole grains have similar dietary properties rich in carbohydrates naturally low in calcium and vitamin A.  Healthy carbohydrates  play an important role in the body as they act as an energy source to help control blood glucose and insulin metabolism participating in triglyceride metabolism transporting fatty acids into cells and help with fermentation.  Grains formed into breads especially made from refined flours are enriched with food fortification deliberately increasing micronutrition adding vitamins and minerals to compensate for nutritional deficiencies to improve the nutritional quality of food sources. Cereals that are cultivated are rye, rice, wheat, oats, barley, corn (maize) sorghum.  As human food cereals are usually marketed as whole grains some are canned or frozen in various products sold to consumers. Whole grains contain all essential parts and have naturally occurring nutrients from the entire grain seed in the original properties. 

As part of a healthy diet eating whole grains in moderation  is associated with lowering the risk of diseases.  A whole grain is a grain of any cereal cultivated for its edible grain and pseudocereal that contains the endosperm, germ and bran in contrast to refined grains which only retain the endosperm.  Eating more whole grains is a great way to get more fiber into your diet naturally.  Whole grains are considered nutrient dense foods providing a wealth of important nutrients in each serving.  Whole grain food list includes, oats, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, barley, corn, amaranth, rye, teff, Sorghum, wheat including varieties bulgur, farro, spelt, emmer, einkorn, wheat berries, and cracked wheat.  Wheat grain products are made from grains containing all three parts including the bran the nutritious outer layer, the germ the seeds nutrient rich embryo, and the endosperm the germs food supply which is high in starchy carbs.  These whole grain foods are typically rich in dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, and B vitamins. 

Grains have benefits for weight loss when eaten in moderation providing the body with essential nutrition. Whole oats are among the healthiest whole grain foods packed with vitamins and minerals and fiber. Quaker Oats Lower Sugar instant oatmeal 4 flavor variety available in individual packs including Apples & Cinnamon, Maple & Brown Sugar, Cinnamon Spice, Original flavors.  Low calorie whole grain protein bars are delicious for at home or on the go snack options.  Atkins Protein Granola Protein Bars are high in fiber, 16 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar, 4 net carbs  keto friendly bar per serving.  Whole grain rice bowls are another alternative used to get more nutritious foods into your diet.  Seeds Of Change Organic Seven Whole Grains including long grain brown rice, Barley Rye, Bulgar, Red Winter Wheat, Quinoa, Wild Rice.  Use Seeds Of Change rice bowl as an integral part of a high protein rice bowl or make a 7 grain rice salad with your favorite herbs and dressing to compliment any meal.   Whole grain cereals are especially delicious eaten as a rich source of vitamins, minerals that have positive health effects. 

Kretschmer original toasted Wheat Germ is an excellent source of vitamin E and folic acid considered a great source of vegetable protein, fiber and healthy fats.   Wheat germ is a nutritional powerhouse containing phytosterols which help lower cholesterol reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Cheers!

Patricia Lynn 

Images Courtesy of Antsurkov at AdobeStock