The Wholesome Whole Grains
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September is Whole Grain month and this is a good time to refresh our minds with the possible health benefits whole grains may bestow on us as food we could include in our diet.
According to the Whole Grains Council, whole grains and their edible derivatives contain all the essential components and naturally-occurring nutrients of the total grain seed. In case the grain has been processed to make an edible derivative product for consumption, then the final product should contain the same or similar balance of nutrients as were in the original grain seed.
(Source: Whole Grains Council; Report Title: Definition of Whole Grains;Year: May 2004 http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/definition-of-whole-g...)
Current views among nutritionist backed by scientific evidence suggests that it may be wise to integrate whole grains in your diet as they have the potential to lower risks arising from coronary heart diseases, cancer and diabetes. They are also believed to contribute positively towards sustainable weight management programs and general wellbeing of gastrointestinal health.
(Source: Journal of Nutrition; Report Title: Putting the Whole Grain Puzzle Together: Health Benefits Associated with Whole Grains—Summary of American Society for Nutrition 2010 Satellite Symposium; Author(s): Satya S. Jonnalagadda,, Lisa Harnack, Rui Hai Liu, Nicola McKeown, Chris Seal, Simin Liu, and George C. Fahey; Year: May 2011)
So how much whole grain should we include in our diets to reap all the benefits that may be had from eating them? As per recommendations given in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 issued by the U.S Department of Agriculture, persons should try to include more than 3 ounces of whole grains per day and up to a total of 6 ounces if they include all grains (whole and processed) in their daily food consumption.
(Source: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010; Chapter Title: Building Healthy Eating Patterns;Year: January, 2011; Page 51; Table: 5-1)
http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/DietaryGuidelines/2010/PolicyDoc/C...
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