| Health Mail Vol.1 Issue 2 | Title : Three Servings Of Whole Grain A Day | 1/1 |
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The UK government has been recommending that we have 5 servings of fruit or vegetable a day. Now a new healthy eating campaign recommends that we have 3 servings of whole grain foods a day. “Whole Grain for Health” is backed by cereal manufacturers and has an impressive panel of respected nutrition experts on its board. It claims that over 50 scientific studies have shown that eating whole grain can reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers by up to 30%. However, a survey showed that more than half of us do not know what whole grain actually means. Whole grain means that all parts of the grain are used, i.e. the nutrient-packed germ inner layer, the endosperm middle layer, and the fibre-rich bran outer layer. The whole package is rich in fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates and phytonutrients. 'The evidence is compelling that a diet rich in whole grain foods has a protective effect against several forms of cancer and heart disease', says Dr Susan Jebb, Head of Nutrition and Health Research at the Medical Research Council Human Nutrition Research Centre. The advice is to look out for foods where 50% or more of the ingredients are whole grain. This means that the whole grain will always be the first ingredient listed. Eat more whole grain breakfast cereals, breads, brown rice, oats, rye biscuits, and whole-wheat pasta. This will ensure that you will be having your 3 servings of whole grain a day. |
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