What are whole grains and why are they so important?
The bran is protective covering of the grain and provides fibre, B vitamins, and minerals. The germ nourishes the seed and is the source of new growth in the plant. It provides mostly vitamins, including B vitamins and vitamin E, minerals and healthy fats. The endosperm is the inner seed and supplies energy from carbohydrate and protein, and also provides small amounts of vitamins and minerals. Whole grains contain health promoting phytonutrients such as antioxidants, lignins, and plant sterols. Whole grains include whole grain bread (whole wheat bread in Canada can have about 70% of the wheat’s germ removed), whole oats/oatmeal, whole-grain corn, brown and wild rice, whole rye, whole-grain barley, bulgur, triticale, buckwheat, millet, popcorn and quinoa.
