GRAINS
Carter Johnson, Foods Hr. 4
Sub groups of Grains
Whole Grains
Whole grain foods include the whole kernel which include the bran, germ, and endosperm. When you eat oatmeal you are eating a whole grain food.
Refined Grains
For refined grains, it's different, they are milled and which is a process that means the germ and the bran are separated. The separation of the grain is to give it a finer texture, to improve their shelf life, it excludes fibers, iron, and many daily vitamins. On the other hand most refined grains are enriched, which means the vitamins are added to the new grain.
What is an ounce?
On ounce is a way to show how much daily grains you should take in.
Popcorn
3 cups of popped popcorn is equal to one ounce
Pancakes
one pancake is equal to one ounce
Mini Bagel
one mini bagel is equal to one ounce
Nutrients
Dietary fiber- help reduce blood cholesterol, lower risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes
Vitamin B- helps the metabolism, release energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates, healthy nervous system
Iron- Used to cary oxygen
Health Benefits
- Help reduce risk of heart disease
- Whole grains may help with wight management
- Consuming fiber help with constipation
The Food Label
- Foods labeled with "Multi-grain" or "Cracked wheat" or "Bran" are usually not whole grain
- Use the Nutritional facts label
- Don't use color as a whole wheat indicated, whole wheat bread can be brown due to molasses
- Choose foods with lower added sugars
- Use the nutritional facts label to choose a lower sodium percentage
Food Label Tips
- Always look for lower sugar and sodium percentages
- Read food label to find if it's really whole grain