Should We Eat Refined Grains?

There

is no reason

to cut refined grains from your diet. Enjoying up to seven servings a day will contribute to nutrient intakes of several vitamins and minerals, and dietary fiber, and will not up your risk of disease.

Are refined grains better for you?

Refined grains have had the

germ

and bran removed, leaving only the endosperm. Though enriched refined grains have had some vitamins and minerals added back, they’re still not as healthy or nutritious as the whole versions. Common varieties of whole grains include: oatmeal.

Are refined grains good for you?

From a nutrition standpoint,

there is nothing positive about refined grains

. They are low in nutrients, fattening, and harmful, and most people are eating way too much of them.

Are refined grains healthier than whole grains?

Whole grains are healthier than refined grains

. A whole grain is a grain in its original state – the whole seed, or kernel, of the grain. Whole grains have more nutrients than refined grains, which consist of a seed stripped of one or more its layers.

Why are refined grains better?

In contrast to whole grains, refined grains are milled, a process that strips out both the bran and germ to

give them a finer texture and longer shelf life

. The refining process also removes many nutrients, including fiber.

What’s the healthiest grain to eat?

Oats

are among the healthiest grains on earth. They’re a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Studies show that oats and oatmeal have many health benefits. These include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of heart disease.

Why refined grains are bad?

Bottom line: Refined grains are high in carbs that get digested and absorbed very quickly, leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar and subsequent hunger and cravings. They are

linked to obesity and many metabolic diseases

.

What happens if you don’t eat grains?

Grain-free diets may limit nutrient intake,

increase your risk of constipation

, and be difficult to sustain in the long term. Unnecessarily demonizing grains for purported health reasons may also promote orthorexic eating behaviors.

Are grains bad for your gut?

Whole grains can be a healthy part of a balanced diet but if you suffer from

chronic gastrointestinal tract pain

, some grains can wreak havoc with your gut. If you’re one of the 60 to 70 million Americans living with digestive diseases, chances are that common grain foods have become a pain in your gut.

Is oatmeal a refined grain?

Oats are almost never refined

, which means that no matter which box or canister you choose at the grocery store you’re pretty much guaranteed to be getting a whole grain product.

Is oatmeal a refined carb?

What grains can you eat for breakfast?

• Amaranth. This pseudocereal (not a true grain, but a seed) was a staple food of the Incas, Mayas and Aztecs. …
• Quinoa. …
• Kamut. …
• Millet. …
• Buckwheat. …
• Brown rice. …
• Now for the tasty, healthy toppings.

Is quinoa a refined grain?

Quinoa is

considered a whole grain

, which is better for you than refined grains like white flour.

Is brown rice a processed food?

Brown rice is a food often associated with healthy eating. Considered a whole grain, brown rice

is less processed than white rice

, which has had its hull, bran and germ removed. Brown rice only has the hull (a hard protective covering) removed, leaving the nutrient-packed bran and germ.

Is popcorn a refined grain?

When it’s air-popped and lightly seasoned, popcorn is an efficiently healthy snack. That’s because it is a

whole grain

, and high-fiber whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and other health problems.

Which grains are refined?

Some examples of refined grain products are

white flour, corn grits, white bread, and white rice

. Refined grain choices should be enriched. This means certain B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid) and iron are added back after processing. Fiber is not added back to enriched grains.