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What are the Benefits of Eating Grain Foods, Especially Whole Grains?

Bertina M. Mcghee

Eating Whole Grains have Health Benefitsjpg

Grains are great! They provide many health benefits, especially whole grains. Making at least half your grains whole grains as part of a healthy meal plan may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. There are many nutrients in grain foods, especially whole grains, that are important for our overall health.




Here are some health benefits of eating whole grains:

  • Consuming whole grains as part of a healthy meal plan may reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
  • Eating whole grains may help manage weight and reduce the risk of obesity.
  • Whole grains are a great source of dietary fiber, B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
  • Dietary fiber found in whole grains may help lower cholesterol, reduce constipation, and improves bowel function.
  • Eating whole grains which are high in fiber can provide a feeling of fullness with less calories.
  • B vitamins found in grain foods play a key role in the metabolism by helping the body utilize energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates. They are also important for a healthy nervous system.
  • Grain foods provide folate (folic acid), another B vitamin, which aids in forming red blood cells in the body and the prevention of neural tube defects in babies.
  • Iron found in grain foods is beneficial to help carry oxygen in the blood.
  • Antioxidants help reduce the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer.
  • Whole grains are a good source of magnesium and selenium. Magnesium is an important mineral used in building bones, nerves, and releasing energy from muscles. Selenium keeps our bodies’ cells and immune systems healthy.

Grains are great! Some grains, whole grains, are even better for you. Make half your grains whole grains every day.

7/29/2020 6:07:56 PM
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