Friday, November 14, 2008

Why Eat Wheat?

Wheat, wonderful wheat -- where have your been all my life? Oh yeh, in my storage...or in my parents' storage. Do you know how really good this stuff is for you? Let's rotate (use and replenish) our storage and enjoy these benefits:

"Studies show that eating whole grains instead of refined grains lowers the risk of many chronic diseases. While benefits are most pronounced for those consuming at least 3 servings daily, some studies show reduced risks from as little as one serving daily. The message: every whole grain in your diet helps!

The benefits of whole grains most documented by repeated studies include:

  • stroke risk reduced 30-36%
  • type 2 diabetes risk reduced 21-30%
  • heart disease risk reduced 25-28%
  • better weight maintenance

Other benefits indicated by recent studies include:

  • reduced risk of asthma
  • healthier carotid arteries
  • reduction of inflammatory disease risk
  • lower risk of colorectal cancer
  • healthier blood pressure levels
  • less gum disease and tooth loss"
(Source: http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/what-
are-the-health-benefits)


If that didn't convince you, how about this:

"Nutrition Facts and Information about Wheat:
It contains Manganese, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Selenium in very large quantities. Rich in Zinc, Copper, Iron and Potassium. However, Calcium is also present in small amounts.

Vitamin Content of Wheat:
It is rich in Vitamin B6, Niacin, Thiamin, Folate, Riboflavin and Pantothenic Acid. Vitamin E and Vitamin K are also present in small but considerable amounts.

Calorie Content of Wheat:
Wheat has a calorific value of 339.0 per 100 gm. Being a grain, it is very appropriate in calories and hence, filling as a food.

Health Benefits of Wheat:

Consumption of whole wheat is necessary for a healthy metabolism, as it prevents Breast Cancer, Gallstones, childhood Asthma and heart risks. Definitely an essential food to intake for women for gastro-intestinal health, also reduces risk of high blood pressure, Diabetes and high cholestrol. To add up to it all, it has phytonutrients which promotes better health through maintaining high blood levels."

(Source: http://www.organicfacts.net/nutrition-facts/cereals/nutritional-
value-of-wheat-and-barley.html)

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