What is it that makes whole grains so wonderful? Let me count the ways…
- Whole grains provide you with antioxidants and phytochemicals which are protective against cancer, chronic disease, and cellular damage. No
wonder whole grains are linked to reduced risk factors for many chronic diseases including some big name killers like heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and some cancers. - Whole grains are not only linked to a healthy body weight but also to maintaining that weight.
- Whole grains help to control appetite and promote gastrointestinal health as a result of their fiber content.
- The phytosterols found in whole grains may reduce absorption of dietary cholesterol. These stanols and sterols are also linked to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) numbers.
- Refining grains depletes fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytosterols, and antioxidants which are naturally found in the whole grain.
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Although refined grains can become enriched with some of the vitamins and minerals that were stripped during the refining process, the fiber, phytosterols, and antioxidants remain lost. - Diets rich in whole grains and other plant foods that are low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol may reduce the risk for heart disease and certain cancers.
- Whole grains are better sources of fiber as well as the important nutrients selenium, potassium, and magnesium.
- Whole grains are easy to implement into any diet, including low carb or diabetic diets if you control your intake.
- Switching to whole grains is one of the easiest and most delicious changes you can make in your diet and you get big results in health status.
