When you visit the grocery store, do you settle for the cheaper option of white bread? Or do you pay the extra buck for the whole grain bread? As the saying says, ‘You get what you paid for.’
White bread is often processed, fattening, and lacks valuable nutrients. The extra dollar gets you more vitamins, minerals and fiber, along with potassium, selenium and magnesium.
Whole grains are plant seeds, which contain bran, germ and endosperm, all filled with nutrients including Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin E, as well as minerals such as iron and zinc.
There are 3 types of grains: whole, refined and enriched. Refined grains are milled, meaning the bran and germ are taken out, along with the fiber and other nutrients. These nutrients are restored in enriched grains, but not all of the nutrients make it back. So don’t just go for any grains; go for the whole grains.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that we consume at least 3 ounces of whole grains a day. Whole grains are naturally low in fat and can lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and other health problems.
Next time your hit the grocery store, add these items to your cart: brown rice, popcorn (no added salt or butter), pancake mix with buckwheat, and whole grain cereal and bread.
Sources:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/289338-whole-grain-bread-vs-white-bread/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/whole-grains/NU00204
Photo Credit: http://www.featurepics.com/online/Whole-Grain-Bread-1497850.aspx
