The most common thread amongst health articles today has to be lifestyle choices. Some research has shown that as many as 60-70% of all cancers are diet and lifestyle related. That is why our government is finally trying to help educate the public on healthy choices. With the development of websites like www.mypyramid.gov which has helped to make a more accurate food pyramid for individuals, we are starting to see some improvements. One simple and healthy choice we can all make is to eat more whole grains.
Whole grains are exactly that, “Whole.” These are the grains as mother-nature intended them, they are not processed or refined, and therefore they are not stripped of their valuable nutrients. A recent article from the U.S.D.A. suggests that many vital nutrients are lost in this refining process. Roughly 15% of the Magnesium, Maganese, and vitamin B6 are lost in the refining process. Over 20% of the Fiber, Zinc, and Potassium are no longer available, and most notably, 57% of the Folate is lost in this conversion. This is why many foods today come with the label “Fortified with Folic acid,” these companies are trying to replace what they took out of the food. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a very important mineral, and when it is not found in adequate levels in a pregnant mother, it can lead to Spina Bifida, as well as other illnesses.
This reports shows us that something as simple as buying whole grain bread instead of white bread, can help lead to a healthier lifestyle. The extra fiber in whole grain breads is good for keeping blood sugar levels steady, and this can help reduce the risk of adult onset Diabetes. We also see more whole grains available in the bakery department, whole grain pasta, and even some whole grain buns now being offered at fast food restaurants.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has put into effect a Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. This is the source where I acquired all of these figures, and it is a great reference for anyone trying to understand what sort of nutrients are in our every day foods. In a society where most of our foods contain ingredients we can not even pronounce, it is good to know that someone is assessing these products to help us make healthier choices. With this in mind, we all need to do our part, and use this advice on a regular basis.