The Benefits of Eating Whole Grains

A whole grain is a simple food. While simple, it is a complete grain composed of 3 parts,

including bran, germ, and endosperm.  Additionally, a whole grain provides phytonutrients, antioxidants, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates.

Tips for finding whole grains:

• Read ingredient list:  Look for Whole or Whole Grain at the beginning of the ingredient list. Example: Whole Grain Oats

• Look for Whole Grain Symbol: If a product shows a 100% stamp then all the
  grains in the product are whole grains. This means that the product provides 16 grams of whole grains which is a full serving. If a product shows the basic stamp it means the product contains at least a serving of whole grains which is 8 grams.

• Not all foods have “marketing claims” of being whole grain, so read the ingredient list.

The benefits of whole grains:

• Lowers risk of Cancer.
• Lowers risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
• Lowers risk of Heart Disease.
• Helps with weight Management.

How much whole grain should someone have daily? 

• Aim to eat three whole grain servings daily--a food with a label with a 100% whole grain stamp or 6 foods with any whole grain stamp. The goal is 48 grams of whole grains per day.
• Servings include 1/2 cup brown rice, oatmeal, or whole-grain pasta.

Ways to increase whole grain intake: 

• Choose a ready-to-eat breakfast cereal made with whole grains or oatmeal.
• Be adventurous! Try less common whole grains such as barley, bulgur, wheat berries, kasha, amaranth, and quinoa.
• Choose brown rice or wild rice instead of white rice. Or, try a combo of rice and grains.
• When dining out choose whole grain options like whole grain pasta, whole grain pizza crust, and whole grain bread.