In celebration of Whole Grains Month… what’s that? You didn’t know that it’s Whole Grains Month?! Well, it is!
In celebration of Whole Grains Month, Dr. Fondriest wants you to know, that eating whole grains can reduce your risk for inflammatory diseases, including gum disease, as well as tooth loss, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Whole grains may even help you ward off colorectal cancer, asthma, and high blood pressure. And, just so you know, it’s also Cholesterol Education Month, and whole grains help reduce cholesterol!
But what is a “whole” grain?
According to the Whole Grains Council (yes, there is a council for everything these days), a whole grain is a grain that has not been processed in any way, shape, or form. That means, the grain hasn’t been: crushed, cracked, rolled, cooked, or extruded.
Why do you need whole grains as opposed to processed grains?
When a grain is processed, the rich nutrients it formerly contained are no longer intact. Real whole grains contain significant amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
How can you know if you’re eating whole grains?
The Whole Grains Council has come up with a stamp for grocery items and restaurant menus. Look for the stamp to know for certain if a food has whole grains.
How many whole grains do you need to eat to reap the benefits?
People over 9 years of age need 3 to 5 servings of whole grains daily. A serving is 16 ounces. What you have to watch for, though, is whether the food you eat has 100% whole grains. Some foods have some whole and some refined grains. You actually need 16 ounces, total, of whole grains each day.
To learn more about whole grains, visit the Whole Grains Council website. If you visit in the month of September, be sure to sign up for the $5K sweepstakes. If you’re looking for a dentist who appreciates healthy living, call to schedule a visit with Dr. Fondriest at our Lake Forest dentist office today. With complete restorative and cosmetic dental care, Lake Forest Dental Arts serves families from the greater North Chicago area.