Healthy Ohioans
Healthy Ohioans
 

Good News Grains

Grains and grain products are a major source of the energy our bodies need each day. That’s why they are the base of the Food Guide Pyramid.

Whole Grains and Refined Grains

Whole grains include whole wheat, oats, brown rice, rye and pearl barley. When grains are made into flour, they are often refined. Refined grains have most of their fiber, vitamins and minerals removed. (Some vitamins and minerals are added to refined grains, but not always the same ones that were removed.)

Including whole grain foods in your meals is an easy and healthy thing to do. The extra fiber can help keep you regular and may also help keep your cholesterol low. That’s good news for your heart. It can also help you feel fuller without eating as many calories. That’s good news for your waistline.

Here are some steps you can take to add whole grains to your meals and snacks:

  • Choose whole grain breakfast cereals or oatmeal. Look at the Nutrition Facts box on the label to make sure each serving has at least three grams of fiber.
  • Choose whole wheat bread or rolls. Look for the words "whole wheat" at the beginning of the ingredient list.
  • Use brown rice instead of white rice.
  • Add barley to soup.
  • Try low-fat rye or multi-grain crackers.

Which steps will you take to add whole grains to your day?

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