Done grocery shopping recently? Did you pay attention to the variety of grains and products made with grains?

The importance of including whole grains in a diet is emphasized everywhere. But why should one choose whole grains and how choosing whole grains over processed grains really affect a person’s health?
First, what is a whole grain and what is considered to be processed grain?

Whole grains contain the entire grain – made up of bran, germ and endosperm. Refined or processed grains have been milled in a way that removes the bran and germ.

So, why should one choose whole grains?

• Many whole grains are a good source of dietary fiber, which we all need. Most processed grains contain little or no fiber.
• Dietary fiber is important for improving blood cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity and more.
• In addition to fiber, whole grains contain Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B9, iron, magnesium and selenium. All of those nutrients are important for body functions, such as forming new cells, carrying oxygen in the blood, regulating the thyroid, and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Here are some common whole grain foods:

• Whole wheat, oats, corn, popcorn
• Oatmeal, rolled or steel cut
• Barley
• Brown rice, wild rice
• Quinoa
• Golden Millet

Find whole grains Ameriafood offers.

Finally, it can be fun and easy to serve whole grains. Serve with your favorite side dish:

• 1 slice of whole grain bread
• 1 cup of ready-to-eat, whole grain cereal
• ½ cup of cooked whole grain cereal, brown rice or whole wheat pasta
• 3 cups of unsalted, air-popped popcorn
• 1 6-inch whole-wheat tortilla

Choose whole grains and try recipes with whole grains.