The "Whole Grain" Definition
Whole grains or foods made from them contain all the essential parts and naturally-occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed. If the grain has been processed (e.g., cracked, crushed, rolled, extruded, and/or cooked), the food product should deliver approximately the same rich balance of nutrients that are found in the original grain seed. This definition means that 100% of the original kernel (all of the bran, germ, and endosperm) must be present to qualify as a whole grain.
Whole Grain vs. Refined Grain....What's the Difference
Whole grain contains all 3 parts of the kernel – bran, germ, endosperm. Refined grains separate out the bran and germ (these are nutrient, protein and fiber rich) - all that remains is the endosperm which is mostly carbohydrate with significantly less nutrition.
Whole grains have higher amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber, essential fatty acids and phytochemicals (anti-oxidants) than a refined grain. Moreover, whole grains have some valuable antioxidants not found in fruits and vegetables, as well as B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, iron and fiber. When you refine a grain, at least 17 key nutrients are lost, as well as around 25% of it’s protein.
Whole grains or foods made from them contain all the essential parts and naturally-occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed. If the grain has been processed (e.g., cracked, crushed, rolled, extruded, and/or cooked), the food product should deliver approximately the same rich balance of nutrients that are found in the original grain seed. This definition means that 100% of the original kernel (all of the bran, germ, and endosperm) must be present to qualify as a whole grain.
Whole Grain vs. Refined Grain....What's the Difference
Whole grain contains all 3 parts of the kernel – bran, germ, endosperm. Refined grains separate out the bran and germ (these are nutrient, protein and fiber rich) - all that remains is the endosperm which is mostly carbohydrate with significantly less nutrition.
Whole grains have higher amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber, essential fatty acids and phytochemicals (anti-oxidants) than a refined grain. Moreover, whole grains have some valuable antioxidants not found in fruits and vegetables, as well as B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, iron and fiber. When you refine a grain, at least 17 key nutrients are lost, as well as around 25% of it’s protein.
