Just because whole grains are part of the carbohydrate family doesn’t mean you should cut them out of your diet. In fact, they should make up a good portion of it. We review why keeping whole grains around can benefit you here.
If you’re on a mission to lose weight and you’re changing up your diet, you might be tempted to completely forego carbohydrates altogether. Though you should definitely give up refined carbohydrates such as white bread, flour, and rice, whole grains are still technically part of the carbohydrate family and are an essential part of any nutritious diet.
Whole grains are packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plenty more things that are so good — and necessary — for the function of your body. That’s why our team at NutriHealth Weight Loss located in Georgetown, Milford, and Middletown, Delaware, wants to give you all the information you need to keep whole grains on the menu.
Explaining whole grains
Whole grains are the kernels from grasses that are grown for food, and they’re made up of three parts:
- Bran: The hard outer layer that contains vital nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
- Endosperm: This is the middle portion and is mostly made up of starchy carbohydrates and some proteins
- Germ: The nutritious core that’s packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals
Whole grains can be cracked, rolled, or crushed, but as long as they have all three of these parts, they’re considered a whole grain. Refined grains only have the endosperm, which strips them of all nutrition.
Some common whole grains include oatmeal, quinoa, popcorn, brown rice, and barley. You can often find whole grains in everyday foods such as bread, pasta, and breakfast cereals.
How whole grains benefit your health
Whole grains can do a lot for your health and well-being, but these are a few we think are worth noting:
Supports your digestive system
The fiber in whole grains can help your digestive system in a couple different ways. First, the fiber can help to bulk up your stools, making your risk of constipation significantly less. In addition, some fiber can act as a prebiotic, which can deliver good bacteria to your digestive system and promote a healthy gut.
Reduces inflammation
Many chronic diseases break down to a problem with inflammation. Studies have shown that consuming a diet rich in whole grains can reduce your inflammation and reduce your risk of inflammation-related conditions such as asthma or allergies.
Decreases risk of obesity
Eating a good amount of whole grains can help you feel full for longer periods of time. This can help to promote weight loss. By eating three servings of whole grains a day, you can watch your body mass index (BMI) decrease and your belly fat decline.
Having a diet rich in whole grains can also reduce your cholesterol, lower your blood pressure, and decrease your risk of certain cancers.
Ready to boost the amount of whole grains in your diet? Our team would love to help you get started with our nutrition services. To set up an appointment, you can give us a call or use our online scheduler today.
