Whole grains keep heart diseases away
The role of whole grains in everyday diet has now been challenged and proved several times throughout the world. Regular servings of whole grains play an inevitable role in conquering over many chronic illnesses like Coronary Heart Disease, Diabetes mellitus type 2, cancer and stroke. Studies have shown that at least one serving per day of whole grains reduces the risk of heart disease by 36%; also an inverse relationship has been seen between the whole grain intake and mortality rates in older subjects.
What are whole grains?
As compared to refined grains that contain only the endosperm layer, Whole grains contain three edible layers- bran, germ and endosperm. Each layer has its own nutritional value and is equally vital for health. The bran is the coarse outer layer and is a rich source of fibre. The germ is the embryo of the plant and contains ample amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and unsaturated fats. The inner endosperm layer is the central portion that is rich in starch along with some amounts of proteins and Vitamin B. The list of whole grains includes popcorn, barley, brown rice, bulgur, corn, flax, oats, quinoa, wheat, and wild rice.
Why are whole grains essential?
Whole grains are goldmines of essential nutrients including vitamins and minerals. They are rich in fiber that helps reduce cholesterol and prevent heart diseases. Recent studies have shown that they are a rich source of Polyphenol antioxidants - substances that help to rid your body of harmful free radicals, highly reactive molecules and ions that can damage your cells. The overall antioxidant rankings of whole grains per serving of cold breakfast cereal, in order, is wheat, corn, oats, and then rice. On the whole, a gram of whole-grain products contains comparable antioxidants to a gram of fruit and vegetables. Whole grains, in fact, are sources of complete nutrition in themselves.
Research Studies that prove
Several research studies have concluded the importance of whole grains for a healthy living. Results of a study that followed 75,000 subjects for up to twelve years showed that those who ate about three servings (about 48 grams) of whole grains each day had a 25% lower risk of heart disease and a 36% lower risk of stroke than those who did not make whole grain part of their diet. Similar studies have shown that consumption of three servings of whole grains per day leads to a 50% reduction of risk of ischemic stroke and a 18% reduction in risk of heart attack. In fact, refining of grains reduces about 93% of nutritional value including essential nutrients such as Vitamin E. Another study showed a decrease in total and LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels by 4.3 and 4.9 percent respectively following consumption of whole meal diet, compared to the refined wheat diet. Whole grains reduce weight, cholesterol and blood pressure, the three key factors behind heart attack thus helping the heart stay healthy.
Introducing whole grains to diet is easy
The idea of whole grains in everyday diet may seem to be cumbersome to many. Simple ways of including a few servings of whole grains to what you eat everyday could be:
Switch over to whole wheat bread instead of the white bread
Have whole wheat pasta instead of the regular refined one and brown rice over white rice
Select high-fiber cereals for breakfast, such as bran flakes, oats, or shredded wheat, instead of sugar-sweetened cereals, muffins or doughnuts
Another easy way to add whole grains to your diet is ground flax seed. Flax seeds are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower your total blood cholesterol. You can easily grind the seeds and add them to your diet by stirring a teaspoon of them into yogurt or hot cereal.
Add whole grains like barley to soups and porridges
Junk foods like potato chips and fries can be substituted by popcorn- by far the healthiest snack available.
After a brief period of fashion craze that preached "Say no to Carbohydrates", Whole grains have reconquered its place. It has been now confirmed that whole grains have a vital role to play in keeping the heart healthy. They are valuable resources of nutrition and must be included as a part of the regular diet. Eat Healthy to Stay Healthy!
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