Whole grains are among the best foods you can eat. They are also among the most important. When we speak of the great health benefits of fruits and vegetables, we typically forget to mention whole grains alongside them. But there are in fact some vital nutrients that whole grains tend to have even higher concentrations of than fruits and veggies.
These include: Vitamin E, the B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and fiber. Dietary fiber is especially important for losing weight and controlling weight, and it is a significant help in preventing colon cancer.
Whole grains are those that have the bran, the germ, and the endosperm of the wheat all included in their making. So-called “whole wheat” products leave out the germ, and white breads, white rice, and white pasta contain only the endosperm. Most of the nutrients are found in the bran and the germ, so the refined “white” products are not very nutritious. Even “whole wheat” could be much better, since it includes no more than half the nutritional value of whole grains.
* · Wheat germ: helps enhance muscular strength and energy; helps to enhance reflexes; increases endurance for exercise; cleans the colon; enhances the immune system; helps reduce cholesterol.
* Oats: help to stabilize blood sugar levels; keep your bowels cleaned out, which is essential for weight loss; help to reduce cholesterol.
* Flax seed: most abundant source of Omega-3 fatty acids other than oily fish-Omega-3 fatty acids actually help the body metabolize other fats faster and should be used to replace a lot of Omega-6 fatty acid consumption when trying to lose weight; contains high concentrations of soluble as well as insoluble fiber, both essential aids to weight loss.
* Brown rice: unlike refined white rice, contains the naturally-occurring aleurone layer of the rice grain-this layer is abundant with healthy essential fats that increase metabolism and help the body to burn off other fats faster. Also rich in selenium (unlike white rice), which strengthens the functioning of the thyroid gland which keeps the body at its ideal weight.
If you are trying to lose weight, or if you simply want to become more energized and cut down on your risk of heart disease and many cancers, switch to using whole grain products and forget about refined “white bread” products. Remember, even “whole wheat” is not as healthy as advertised.