The term "whole grain" is often loosely thrown around when the subject of healthy eating comes up. Not all whole wheat bread, actually contains whole grains. A grain is only considered "whole" when it includes all three parts: the germ, the bran and the endosperm. Whole grain wheat bread provides a number of nutritional benefits.
Vitamins, Minerals & Fiber
Whole grain wheat bread is packed with B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, fiber and iron. On average, it has more nutritional content than breads with processed ingredients, according to Bread-Maker.com. These nutrients are essential for good energy levels and regulating your digestive system.
Antioxidants, Lignans & Phenolic Acids
Fruits and vegetables are usually associated with being high in antioxidants. Whole grains, however, are often a much better source of antioxidants and phytochemicals, according to HealthCastle.com. These antioxidants and phytochemicals are found in the bran and germ of whole grains. Whole grains are also high in lignans and phenolic acids, which can fight certain forms off cancer, according to the Bread-Maker website.
Disease Prevention
Whole grains have been proven to reduce bad cholesterol levels, blood pressure and the risk for heart disease, according to the Whole Grains Council's "Summary of Recent Research On Whole Grains and Health." The nutrients in whole grains can also help ward off a number of cancer types, according to the same report. HealthCastle.com mentions that whole grains also help regulate sugar levels, which is beneficial for people living with diabetes. And people who eat healthy servings of whole grains tend to weigh less than those who do not consume enough whole grains, according to HealthCastle.com. Whole grains can reduce the risk of stroke between 30 to 36 percent and the risk of type 2 diabetes risk between 21 to 30 percent, according to the Whole Grains Council. They also relieve certain asthma conditions and decrease the chance for gum disease and tooth loss. The U.S. government recommends eating at least three servings of whole grains daily.
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