Whole Grains - Healthy?

By Donna Miller

Whole grains are important for good health. So what is in a grain and why are they important? This article will give you a brief overview of a whole grain, and why they're better for you than their refined versions.

A grain is the seed of a plant and a whole grain contains parts known as the endosperm, the bran, and the germ.

The endosperm makes up the majority of the grain kernel. It has small amounts of vitamins and minerals and contains most of the grain's protein.

The bran is the hard outer layer of the seed and is a rich source of dietary fiber. It also contains some starch, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.

The germ is the part of the grain from which a new plant sprouts, it is the heart of the kernel. It contains some protein, polyunsaturated fat, fiber, and plenty of vitamins and minerals that are good for your body.

Whole Grains Versus Refined

Whole grains have all of these parts still intact. While refined grains have both the bran and the wheat germ removed, leaving only the endosperm, the least nutritious part.

Refined grains (like white flours and white rice) present poor nutrition, leaving the body still hungry for good nutrition. Although, some of the "vitamins" and "minerals" are added back in after the milling process, nothing artificial can regain what was once there naturally. Refined grains are absorbed too quickly into the blood stream causing upsets in blood sugar levels which exhausts the pancreas and/or the adrenal glands. Also, since the bran is discarded during the refining process there is no longer much fiber in the grain either. Our body needs fiber in order to help clean out our intestines, so when refined grains are eaten they act more like glue to your intestines which can cause multiple health problems.

Whole grains on the other hand, are much different than their refined versions. They are high in plant protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, many other healthful substances, and they have no cholesterol and are low in fat. They supply many of the nutrients that are low in this generation's diet such as fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, etc. Whole grains have also been shown to reduce the risk of bowel disorders, obesity, heart disease and high cholesterol, stroke, high blood pressure, many types of cancer and they may also help regulate blood glucose in people who have diabetes.

The choice seems obvious to me. Whole grains have many health benefits while refined grains do not. One is helpful to your body, while the other is detrimental to it. The bottom line is we all should be eating more whole grains to live longer healthier lives.

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