Multi-Grain Vs Whole-Grain
by Shereen Jegtvig
I think a lot of people are aware of the importance of dietary fiber for good health. Fiber keeps your digestive system functioning properly and keep you feeling full a bit longer. Some types of fiber also help to keep your cholesterol in check, like the fiber found in oats. All of the fiber in your diet comes from plants and the most important sources are fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Whole-grains are a good source of fiber because they still contain their outer coverings, whereas refined grains such as white bread and pasta have had the outer coverings removed. While many people still prefer the flavor and texture of refined grain products, whole-grain foods are becoming more popular. Food manufacturers know this so they often use the labels to proclaim the goodness of whole-grains.
That’s fine (and better if 100% whole-grain), but don’t confuse multi-grain for whole grain. Multi-grain just means more than one type of grain was used in the product. Those multi-grains could still be refined, or even mostly made from plain old white flour with a little bit of whole grain flour tossed in. Read more
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Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin
Mother nature gave us the ability to form Vitamin D simply by sitting in the sun. It’s the only vitamin that is made in our body without us consuming anything, and this is great news for those of us who live in sunny climates, or spend a lot of time outdoors and so can easily obtain enough sunlight most days.
However, as more Americans are lathering on the sun screen and spending more time indoors, their Vitamin D levels lowering, which in turn is resulting in a growing health problem. Additionally, as we turn to soft drinks and juices to quench our thirst we are drinking less and less milk, which is good source of Vitamin D.
Recent studies have showed that between 50 and 75 percent of Americans have less than optimal levels of Vitamin D, this is concerning because low levels of the sunshine vitamin can raise the risk of weak bones and, possibly, heart disease. In fact, worryingly, America is seeing a return of rickets – a disease caused by lack of Vitamin D. The figures show that 7 out of 10 of American children have too-low levels of Vitamin D putting them at huge risk of developing rickets. Read more
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Food Tip: Brown Rice and Wild Rice
by Shereen Jegtvig
Eating foods from the grains and cereals food group is essential for a healthy balanced diet. The grains and cereals give your body energy and can offer fiber, vitamins and minerals. Typically, we think of grains as being wheat, oats and barley, but rice fits into the grains and cereals category too, although technically rice is not a grain, but a grass.
There are several types of rice that vary in starchiness, shape and size, plus there are subtle differences in flavor. Most of the rice you’ll find is white rice that has had the bran covering removed, which gives your rice dish that fluffy texture. Unfortunately, stripping the bran removes the fiber and some nutrients. Although any type of rice will give your body energy from the starch stored inside each seed, your best bet for good health is to choose brown rice over white rice for extra fiber. Read more
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