Nutrition 101: Whole Grains

Nutrition 101: Whole Grains

Let’s talk about Whole Grains

This week in our AOYS Support Groups we dove into Whole grains as our Nutrition topic. I love the nutrition topics because I am ever learning.  I was so excited to know what all those labels are trying to tell me in the store.  One of the things that helped us  was learning to look for WHOLE grains, stay away from refined grains and enriched grains are OK.

One of AOYS Power 13 is LIMIT WHITES: sugar, rice and pasta.

  Whole grains are packed with nutrients including protein, fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, and trace minerals (iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium).

THE MAIN BENEFITS OF WHOLE GRAIN

The benefits of whole grains most documented by repeated studies include: reduced risk of stroke reduced risk of type 2 diabetes reduced risk of heart disease better weight maintenance less inflammation lower risk of colorectal cancer

Do you think you get enough whole grains in your daily diet? How much is enough? 

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that at least half of all the grains you eat are whole grains. If you’re like most people, you’re not getting enough whole grains — so see how to make whole grains a part of your healthy diet. Experts have recommended eating 5 to 8 ounces of grains per day, 3 to 6 ounces of which should be whole grains. For reference, one ounce of grains is equivalent to one slice of bread or half a cup of cooked pasta or rice. All types of grains are good sources of complex carbohydrates and some key vitamins and