Why Are Whole Grain Foods So Important?
Health studies have proven that people who have a diet rich in whole grains have a lower risk of diabetes, a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. The naturally healthy parts of whole wheat are a lot of terms we don't hear every day: antioxidants (useful chemicals against aging), lignans (a chemical found in the cell walls of plants that has been associated with reduced risks of breast cancer among others), phenolic acids (plant metabolites which have been found to be natural and powerful antioxidants), phytoestrogens (found to be helpful in reducing risks of cancer, osteoporosis and cardiovascular problems). The scientific jargon may be confusing and slightly overwhelming, but the bottom line is clear: we need more whole grains in our diet.
What We Require
We all know that natural means better; and you can find a lot of brands at the supermarket that claim to be natural, but those claims are not always accurate. Many food manufacturers add all kinds of chemicals to extend the shelf life of their product. These tend to destroy the healthy properties of whole grain food. This is sad, since wheat is perhaps the most important component of our daily diet. Even worse, we tend to refine it to the point where all its nutritious properties get completely removed. But it is important to get whole wheat into your diet. Because whole wheat bread takes longer to digest due to the fiber, we feel fuller faster and we eat fewer calories. Our sugar levels do not spike because carbs get digested slower.
Whole Wheat and Whole Grains
Some people wonder about the definition of whole grain vs. whole wheat. Whole wheat is whole grain. To be termed a whole grain it has to have all the essential nutrients of the grain still in tact. These parts include the bran, the endosperm and the germ.
If you were to bake bread with whole wheat flour you might find the results a bit course and heavy. Many people don't like whole wheat bread for those reasons. We suggest you buy white whole wheat flour. It's made from a different type of wheat, but with all the ingredients of whole grain. This makes for lighter and fluffier wheat bread. You could also mix in a little white refined flour (about 1/5th) with the regular whole wheat flour to make it lighter and still get some healthy bread.
Whatever your choice, you can still bake all kinds of delicious products with whole wheat flour, from muffins to cookies to whole wheat tortillas. Giving the kids their daily ration of fiber through whole wheat will not only ensure an optimal digestion but also teaches them healthy eating habits that they will carry on as adults.
Together They Rock
Do not forget to combine whole wheat products with the other essential and healthy nutrients that form the perfect diet. Milk (low fat) products, Meats (lean cuts) and Beans, Vegetables and Fruits can accompany whole wheat products very easily. You can combine whole wheat cereals at breakfast with fruit and milk. Whole wheat bread can join meat and vegetables for lunch (sandwiches), while whole wheat tacos add zest to fish, chicken, beans and vegetables for dinner. Do not forget to vary the menu of whole wheat food so as to satisfy the kids' needs for variety (and the husband's too). - 17273
What We Require
We all know that natural means better; and you can find a lot of brands at the supermarket that claim to be natural, but those claims are not always accurate. Many food manufacturers add all kinds of chemicals to extend the shelf life of their product. These tend to destroy the healthy properties of whole grain food. This is sad, since wheat is perhaps the most important component of our daily diet. Even worse, we tend to refine it to the point where all its nutritious properties get completely removed. But it is important to get whole wheat into your diet. Because whole wheat bread takes longer to digest due to the fiber, we feel fuller faster and we eat fewer calories. Our sugar levels do not spike because carbs get digested slower.
Whole Wheat and Whole Grains
Some people wonder about the definition of whole grain vs. whole wheat. Whole wheat is whole grain. To be termed a whole grain it has to have all the essential nutrients of the grain still in tact. These parts include the bran, the endosperm and the germ.
If you were to bake bread with whole wheat flour you might find the results a bit course and heavy. Many people don't like whole wheat bread for those reasons. We suggest you buy white whole wheat flour. It's made from a different type of wheat, but with all the ingredients of whole grain. This makes for lighter and fluffier wheat bread. You could also mix in a little white refined flour (about 1/5th) with the regular whole wheat flour to make it lighter and still get some healthy bread.
Whatever your choice, you can still bake all kinds of delicious products with whole wheat flour, from muffins to cookies to whole wheat tortillas. Giving the kids their daily ration of fiber through whole wheat will not only ensure an optimal digestion but also teaches them healthy eating habits that they will carry on as adults.
Together They Rock
Do not forget to combine whole wheat products with the other essential and healthy nutrients that form the perfect diet. Milk (low fat) products, Meats (lean cuts) and Beans, Vegetables and Fruits can accompany whole wheat products very easily. You can combine whole wheat cereals at breakfast with fruit and milk. Whole wheat bread can join meat and vegetables for lunch (sandwiches), while whole wheat tacos add zest to fish, chicken, beans and vegetables for dinner. Do not forget to vary the menu of whole wheat food so as to satisfy the kids' needs for variety (and the husband's too). - 17273
posted by X - Men at
1:56 AM
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