Whats the difference between “whole grain” and “whole grain fiber”?
Lately, “whole grain” has become a health buzzword. New whole grain food products are flooding the market. Whole grain contains the entire grain kernel—the bran, germ, and endosperm. Refined grains have been milled, a process that removes the bran and germ. This is done to improve shelf life and give grains a finer texture, but it also removes dietary fiber, iron and B vitamins. Examples of refined grain products are: • White flour • White bread • White rice • De-germed cornmeal Many refined grains are said to be “enriched”. That means certain vitamins, and iron are added back after processing. However, fiber is not added back to enriched grains. Many ready-to-eat cereals that claim to be whole grain have less than 2 grams of fiber and lots of added sugar. Don’t be fooled by the “whole grain” labeling. An article in the February 9, 2005 issue of The New York Times titled “Selling Wholesomeness in the Breakfast Bowl” reported that many “so-called” whole grain cereals, especially the swe
