Health Benefits and Nutrients of Whole Grains (By American Heart Association)

Info source: Info source: https://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyEating/Whole-Grains-and-Fiber_UCM_303249_Article.jsp

Eating whole grains provides important health benefits:

(1) Whole grains are generally good sources of dietary fiber; most refined (processed) grains contain little fiber.

(2) Dietary fiber from whole grains, as part of an overall healthy diet, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease.

(3) Fiber-containing foods such as whole grains help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories and so may help with weight management.

Grains are also important sources of many nutrients:

(a) B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and folate) play a key role in metabolism.

(b) Folate (folic acid), one of the B vitamins, helps the body form red blood cells.

(c) Iron is used to carry oxygen in the blood.

(d) Magnesium is a mineral used in building bones and releasing energy from muscles.

(e) Selenium is important for a healthy immune system.

It’s important to include a variety of grains in your eating plan because grains differ in their nutrient content. Whole grains can be a good source of fiber, but refined grains usually are not.