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 Need

We want to believe in our modern and sophisticated society that natural means better; we see many brands at the market that claim to be natural, knowing the appeal that the word has for most people. They however add all kinds of chemicals that that harm our body and destroy all the healthy properties of whole grain food. Wheat is perhaps the most important component of our daily diet, and yet we refine it to the point where all its nutritious properties have been destroyed. Because whole wheat bread takes longer to digest (fibers), we feel sated (full) more quickly, thus eating less calories. Our sugar levels do not spike because carbs are assimilated very slowly. Finally, whole wheat and other whole grains are 100% natural and that’s what our body requires.

Wheat VS Whole Grain

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.

Now if you are going to bake bread with whole wheat flour, you might find the results a bit too coarse. We therefore suggest you buy White Whole Wheat flour which is made from a different type of wheat, but with all the ingredients of whole grain. You could also mix a low percentage of white refined flour (20%) with the regular whole wheat flour and still obtain a healthy product.

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 that they will carry on as adults, thus limiting the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Putting it Together

Don’t forget to combine whole wheat products with the other healthy foods. While whole grains are important, they alone doesn’t make a well rounded diet. Low fat milk products, lean cut meats, beans, vegetables and fruits all contribute to form a healthy, nutritious diet.

Tags: Nutrition

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