Whole Grain, the Whole Story
The word is out … whole grain is good for us. And it’s not just hype or a fad. So what is whole grain exactly? Well, the clue is in the name; whole grains are the complete grain, with all its nutrients. Unlike refined grains, nothing has been taken away.
What about white?
When grains are refined to make ‘white’ products, like white bread, and white rice and pasta, the outer parts of the grain are thrown away and only the middle section is used. It’s fine to eat refined foods – don’t panic! They’re good for you too, they just don't contain as many nutrients as their whole grain sibling.
Bran: The fiber-rich outer layer contains protein, B vitamins and antioxidants.
Endosperm: The starchy bit in the middle includes protein and carbohydrates for energy, and some B vitamins.
Germ: Packed with nutrients, the inner part contains B vitamins and vitamin E plus minerals like magnesium, and omega-6 fatty acids.
Did you
know?
Wheat is a source of strength!
Wheat is a source of strength! Wheat is the most widely cultivated type of grain. It is grown on more than 17 percent of the world's total cultivated land and is the staple food for about 35 percent of the world's population. It provides more calories and protein in diets around the world than any other crop.
Fun and delicious chips!
Popcorn is a type of whole grain but in a puffed form. Popcorn is made from a special type of corn called 'Zea maize everta' - the only type of corn that can 'puff'. Try making your own popcorn at home with the kids - it's a fun and adorable way!
Whole grain or not whole grain?
Grains are everywhere! In the summertime, many fields in the countryside may be full of wheat, oats, barley and corn (rice is grown in waterlogged paddy fields).
But at the supermarket, how can you tell the whole from the not-so-whole? You may be surprised that some of the foods you’d imagine to be whole grain, actually aren’t.
These are whole grains
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These aren't whole grains
- Bran
- Corn meal
- Polenta
- Corn grits
- Pearled barley
- White rice
Go whole grain!
So whole grains are an important part of a varied, balanced diet for your whole family – and they taste great too! Go whole grain!
Also Interesting
Footnotes
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Two things to remember: • Look for food labels where the word 'whole' appears in front of the name of the grain, like “whole wheat” or “wholemeal bread”. • For foods with more than one ingredient, make sure whole grain is listed towards the top of the ingredients list. The further up the list it is, the more whole grain has been used in the recipe. And look out for the percentage of whole grain. You should find this in the ingredients list too.
All Nestlé breakfast cereals carrying the green banner are made with whole grain; this is our Whole Grain Guarantee. They are made with at least 8g or more of whole grain per 30g serving. There are ingredient lists on all packs, showing the exact amount. By end of 2015, we’re committed to making whole grain the main ingredient in all Nestlé cereals popular with children.
A complete breakfast should include a balance of nutrients from each of the major food groups.