Top Three Reasons to Eat Whole Grains
Adding or swapping to whole grains in your diet is a smart move. They are packed full of nutrients like fibre, folate, iron, magnesium and antioxidants to name a few. But what does this mean in terms of our health? Here are our top 3 reasons to eat whole grains.
1. Gut Health
Whole grains are rich in fibre which most of us know is great for keeping our bowels regular. However, there is much more to the story when it comes to gut health. Because the fibre in whole grains remains undigested, it reaches the large intestine where it selectively feeds and promotes the growth of the “good gut bacteria”. When well-fed, these gut bugs are linked to a range of digestive health benefits including a stronger intestinal wall and a lower risk of bowel cancer.
2. Heart Health
A high intake of whole grains is linked to a huge 30% reduced risk of death from heart disease. This is partly due to the soluble fibre found in grains like oats and barley which sweeps away excess cholesterol in the blood. Whole grains are also rich in minerals and bioactive compounds that act as antioxidants to improve the flexibility of our blood vessels and prevent clotting.
3.WEIGHT LOSS
Despite the popularity of low carb diets for weight loss, science shows whole grains help with weight loss. This is thanks to their high fibre content which makes whole grains low calorie, physically “bulkier” and therefore more filling. Whole grains are also low GI foods, which slows the rate of digestion and promotes long term fullness across the day. We also know the magnesium and zinc found in whole grains helps maintain a healthy weight through other metabolic processes involved in altering fat and muscle mass.