In the past, whole grains were thought to provide nothing more than fiber, but new research reveals that whole grains offer vitamins and minerals along with antioxidants and other healthy plant-based nutrients.
WHAT DOES ‘WHOLE GRAIN’ EVEN MEAN?  Whole grains are made up of all parts of the grain – the bran or fiber-rich outer layer, the endosperm or middle part, and the germ or nutrient-rich inner part.  So when you eat a variety of whole grain foods, you get the best nutritional package.
WHY SHOULD I EAT WHOLE GRAINS?  Whole grains provide essential vitamins and minerals and give your body the fuel it needs from the carbohydrates.  Also, whole grains contain more of the dietary fiber and protective components that positively impact your health.  Whole grain foods tend to have less sugar, sodium and unhealthy trans fats than non-whole grain foods.  These nutritional benefits are not found in refined grains such as white flour and white bread.
HOW CAN I GET THE WHOLE GRAINS MY BODY NEEDS?  A very easy rule to use when choosing whole grain foods is to check out the ‘Nutrition Facts’ on the label. For every 10 grams of carbohydrate, there should be at least one gram of fiber. That turns out to be the ratio of fiber to carbohydrate in a true whole grain: unprocessed wheat. Or you can check out that the first ingredient listed contains the word ‘whole’ as in whole wheat flour. Some products also will display one of three ‘Whole Grain Stamps,’ designed by the Whole Grains Council on foods, on the package: Good Source Stamp, an Excellent Source Stamp and a 100% Whole Grain/Excellent Stamp.

-Sara Lopinski, registered dietitician