The Grains
By Micah Allen Hour 7
Nutrients
THE SUB GROUPS
The grains food group is split into 2 sub-groups, whole grains and refined grains. Whole grains are very healthy and use all the parts of a kernel. Refined grains have been milled, taking away the germ and bran, improving shelf-life and texture but taking many nutrients out of the kernel. Many refined grains are enriched with nutrients to make them more healthy.
AN OUNCE
Ounces are the normal serving of a grain. Some example of ounces are 1 mini-bagel, 1/2 an english muffin, and 1 pancake (or two small pancakes.)
Foods of the Grains
Foods in the Grain Group
Food Labels
It's important to always look at food labels for correct information on the food you are buying. Nutrition labels often can tell you if something is whole grain or not. Be sure the label has whole grain ingredients (for reference look at the table on this website, http://www.choosemyplate.gov/grains-tips).
Foods labelled "multi-grain", "stone ground", "100% wheat", "cracked wheat", "seven-grain", or "bran" are usually not whole grain. Color is not an indication of whole grain. Look for terms indicating added sugars on the ingredients list. Choose foods with a lower % DV for sodium.