Whole grains are those cereal grains that also retain the bran and germ, along with the endosperm. Such grains are considered to be quite healthy for an individual and people are advised to switch from the refined flour to whole-wheat flour and consume more of whole-wheat products like oatmeal, popcorn, brown rice, whole-wheat flour, sprouted grains, and whole-wheat bread. Not only do such products help in weight loss, they are also considered to be beneficial in avoiding a number of ailments. Read on to explore the complete nutritional as well as health benefits of whole grains.
Advantages of Eating Whole Grain
- Epidemiological studies conducted till date have revealed that people who consume three servings of whole grains daily are at a slighter risk of being affected by hormone related cancers by 10-40%, digestive systems cancers by 21-43% and stroke by 37%.
- Those who consume whole grain products on a regular basis are less likely to gain weight. Those who planning to lose weight should also consume whole grains as they help in reducing body fat.
- Whole grain products have been found out to have beneficial effects for those suffering from hypertension.
- The outer shell of whole grains is a very good source of essential fibers, and vitamin (including niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin E). In other words, when you consume whole grains, you intake essential vitamins in a natural form.
- Whole grains are very rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, proteins and dietary minerals (including magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and selenium).
- You can also germinate and sprout whole grains, in order to gain additional nutritional benefits.
- The consumption of whole grains has been linked to reduced risk for coronary heart disease.
- Whole grains have a slow digestibility, making them contribute positively to the glucose and insulin responses. This in turn, has been found to lower the risk of diabetes.
