After reading my own article, I am now a big fan of the whole grain! 😄
What is a wholegrain?
Wholemeal contains the grain and its bran.
In white flour, only the grain remains. The flour is said to be refined.
Why is flour refined?
In the 19th century, the refining process was discovered. Since then, white flour has taken over our plates.
It certainly has its advantages:
- Taste.
- Shelf life.
- Cooking time.
- Malleable texture.
Refined wheat flour is everywhere:
- White bread.
- Pastry.
- Pizza.
- Pasta.
- Biscuits.
The disadvantages of refined flours
As people become more aware of the importance of a balanced diet, refined cereals are losing their appeal.
Refining cereals means removing the bran and the germ. But these are the ones that contain the essential nutrients:
- Fibers.
- Vegetable proteins.
- Vitamins.
- Magnesium.
- Minerals.
- Selenium.
Benefits
White flours will disappear. Why is this?
Benefits for the body
Wholegrain cereals are appreciated by:
- The intestines: they improve transit.
- The heart: they reduce the risk of cardiovascular accidents, as well as blood pressure.
- The skin: they nourish the epidermis.
They are more satiating than refined cereals, with a lower glycemic index.
They are better digested and prevent the accumulation of toxins.
Eating at least 50 grams of whole grains a day has a real impact on health.
Fiber also has an effect on fat, and helps in losing weight.
Healthy cereals
The wheat seeds currently used on a large scale are not very nutritious, even when whole.
The most nutritious whole grains are
- Wholegrain oats.
- Whole-grain barley.
- Wholegrain spelt.
- Whole grain rye.
- Wholegrain rice.
It is best to eat organic cereals: most of the pesticides are contained in the bran.
Note that oat bran (without the grain) is an exceptional food supplement.
Felt sense
Ideally, when it comes to nutrition, I should let my body choose.
I can use my gut feeling to communicate with my body.
Since using the felt sense to choose my food, my body has moved me away from refined grains and white sugar. Almost 50% of my diet is made up of whole grain carbohydrates. That’s much more than before! I don’t go to the bakeries as much, but I’m in great shape.
Conclusion
What are the benefits of whole grains?
They are popular with dieticians.
Whole wheat bread, whole meal pasta and wholemeal flours are far more nutritious than their refined counterparts.
The days of white flour are numbered.