Organic Whole Grains in Your Daily Diet
These days, it seems like most people are looking for ways to improve their diets. Alarming numbers of Americans have become susceptible to illnesses like high blood pressure, chronic obesity, and diabetes due to poor food choices. Even President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are concerned with the nation’s eating habits and patterns. In response to this, they have both encouraged healthier eating habits for everyone.
For years, the U.S Department of Agriculture has been emphasizing the importance of whole grains as part of a healthy diet, but many people do not know what makes a grain whole. Unlike their refined counterparts, whole grain products contain the grain in its entirety. By consuming whole grain foods, we are able to take advantage of the natural benefits whole grains offer.
Whole grains are high in fiber, as well as a number of B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, and folate. They are also a good source of minerals like iron, magnesium, and selenium, all of which are an important part of overall health and give us the chance to maximize the nutritional benefits of meals.
By adding the organic factor into whole grains, we increase our nutritional intake while simultaneously decreasing our exposure to chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers. Additionally, like other organic foods, organic whole grains are never genetically modified.
By choosing organic whole grains instead of refined grains for your healthy diet, you decrease your risk for a variety of chronic illnesses. When consumed regularly, the nutritional content of whole grains helps you to maintain a healthy weight, while lowering your risk of heart disease and high cholesterol.
It’s really not too difficult to incorporate the recommended three servings of whole grains into your daily diet. Try preparing meals with ingredients like brown or wild rice, oatmeal, and bulgur. Even some of your favorite foods and snacks (like popcorn and oatmeal) are naturally whole grains and can help you meet your goals. Alternately, look for packaged foods with “whole grain” written on the label, or listed near the top of the ingredients list.
If you would like to learn more ways to incorporate organic and whole grains into your diet, check out the USDA’s nutrition site at http://www.mypyramid.gov. Of course, you can always stop in and see what’s fresh and healthy at Truly Organic Baking. We love our organic whole grains and would love to share them with you!
