Whole wheats, whole grains, and whole oats. OH MY!

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

The difference between whole grains and refined grains

There are differences between refined grains and whole grains, everyone knows that. Let's dig a little deeper into why though, and how.

Whole grains have all their parts still intact, the bran, wheat germ, and endosperm. Refined grains have all parts removed except for one, the endosperm. The bran and wheat germ have the majority of the grain's vitamins and fiber contained in them, while the endosperm has very little of both and is starchy. So basically you're eating something that is just empty calories, and it's like glue to your colon. All the goodness of the grain is gone!


So the difference between the two is mainly nutritional value. Removing the bran and germ from whole grains is not a good thing because it is depriving you of the nutrients your body needs, and replacing it with starch and empty calories.

For me, I'd rather eat whole grains and give my body what it needs, than to eat refined breads that supposedly taste better.

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