Why Whole Wheat is Good For You!

Why should you be eating whole grain wheat?

Whole wheat is a key source of vitamins and nutrients. Whole wheat is also a strong source of antioxidants. These nutrients are lost when the whole grain is processed into packaged, and to often useless, foods.

But by eating foods where the whole grains are kept, you can help control the sugar in your blood. This is very important for those with diabetes, but everyone should regulate their blood sugar when they can.

Whole grain must have all 3 parts: germ, bran and endosperm. Dietary guidelines established by the US government recommend 3 servings of whole grains a day for adults.

Humans have been eating wheat for thousands of years. It was cultivated widely in ancient Asia to Mesopotamia. It was once revered in China as a sacred food. Wheat arrived in the Americas when it was brought over by the early explorers.

For diabetics, processed foods are rarely the healthiest way to eat. White bread made with processed white flour has a high glycemic index value, commonly around 100. With whole wheat you can get a lower glycemic index value. Something closer to 50.

With all the health food stores that are around now, it's much easier to find healthy whole grain foods than it used to be. You're not just limited to whole wheat bread as your only whole grain option. Now it is easy to find whole wheat spaghetti, bagels, vermicelli, muffins, pancakes and cookies. And if you bake, you can use whole wheat flour for your everyday cooking and fully eliminate processed flour.

Everyone, even those that don't need to watch their glucose levels, will find that whole wheat is extremely nutritional. As mentioned whole wheat is an important source of vitamins B and E, together with antioxidants (slows aging), and minerals such as magnesium, manganese, phosphorous and selenium. The elevated fiber content helps enormously with your digestion as it cleans the bowels. The high amount of fiber reduces the feeling of being hungry and has been shown to reduce the risks of cancer and obesity.

This is an easy change in your eating habits that can make a world of difference in your health. Add whole grains to your diet, do it now so you can reap the benefits of a longer, healthier life.

One source for this post was Scott Davis who recommends whole wheat pancakes, brought to you by Doctorgrandmas.com.