Sink Your Teeth into Whole Grains for National Whole Grains Month

Did you know that popcorn is considered a whole grain!? To be considered a whole grain, the food must contain all three parts of the kernel: the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. Some other popular whole grains include wheat, oats, and barley. Give a new grain a try this September for National Whole Grains Month!

Whole grains are beneficial to a healthy diet for quite a few reasons. When a grain is processed and the bran and germ are removed, nutrients such as fiber, iron, and B vitamins are lost. Nutritionally, compared to refined grains, whole grains contain more protein, fiber, and various micronutrients.

While refined grains can also be a part of a healthy diet, the idea is to make half your grains whole grains. There are many easy swaps you can make in your diet to include more whole grains.

Why Whole Grains?

There are so many reasons to choose whole grains! Some of the many benefits of whole grains include…

Fiber- The bran part of the whole grain provides a ton of fiber. Fiber aids in digestion and overall gut health by helping feed the healthy bacteria found in your gastrointestinal system.

B Vitamins- Important B vitamins found in whole grains include niacin, thiamine, and folate. Each B-Vitamin has a specific function in the cell that make your body work efficiently.

Antioxidants- Whole grains act as a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are used by the body to help eliminate harmful compounds that may cause disease.

Protein- Your body needs protein to build muscle, repair damaged cells, and a handful of other functions that keep you healthy. Whole grains provide several grams of protein in each serving, which varies depending on the type of grain consumed.

Whole Grain Sources

By now you can almost consider yourself a whole grains guru! However, you may be wondering what the different types of whole grains are, and just how to enjoy them. Look below for some meal ideas including different varieties of whole grains:

Whole grain English muffins at breakfast topped with avocado.

Oatmeal using whole grain rolled oats with blueberries.

Quinoa with chickpeas and veggies.

Whole grain toast with light cream cheese and fruit.

Buckwheat pasta with homemade Marinara sauce.

Brown rice stir fry with chicken and veggies.

Air-popped popcorn with almonds (ok this is a snack, not a meal but oh so good!)

When searching for whole grains in the grocery store be sure to always read the label and look for “whole grain” listed as the first ingredient. With so many varieties, incorporating whole grains is easier than you think!

Your Turn to Action: Which whole grains will you be enjoying this month? Let me know in the comment section below!