Are whole grains better than refined grains?
Whole grains are grains that have not been refined (milled). When grains are refined, the bran and the germ are removed. Examples of refined grains are enriched pasta, white rice, and white flour products. Although vitamins and minerals are added after the milling process, refined grains have fewer nutrients than whole grains and do not contain much fiber. Whole grains are high in fiber. High-fiber diets are recommended to help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, as well as digestive disease. For these reasons whole grains are a better choice than refined grains. How can I tell if a dietary grain is whole or refined? Look for the words “whole grain” among the first ingredients listed on the food label. Brown wheat bread isn’t necessarily whole grain, unless the label says “whole wheat” or “whole grain.” Some products are a mixture of whole and refined grains. Most refined grains are enriched, which means that certain B vitamins and iron have been added back in after processing
