Read any popular diet advice and you’ll find the never-ending question, “Are grains good or are they bad?” The answer is that grains are essential for a balanced diet!
The USDA MyPlate illustration defines grains as either whole or refined. The goal is to make at least half of the grains that you eat daily whole grains. These include whole-wheat flour, bulgur, oatmeal, whole grain cornmeal, and brown rice. They provide important nutrients to fuel our bodies and to reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.
Whole grains are full of fiber, complex carbohydrates, B vitamins, and essential minerals, all of which support a healthy heart, improve our immune systems, and give us the energy we need to stay active. Examples of one serving of whole grains include a slice of whole wheat bread, a cup of ready-to-eat whole grain cereal, or a cup of cooked brown rice. This makes it easy to include whole grains at each meal.
If you eat refined grains, look for enriched products that have vitamins and minerals added back. Even though refined grains are not replacements for whole grains, you can still choose ones that provide good health benefits.
Try these recipes to help make half your grains “whole” the next time you’re in the kitchen:
Whole Grain Strawberry Pancakes
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.