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NEWS: Choosing Whole Grains -
The Whole Truth About Labeling
June 2004
Selecting whole-grain products many be more difficult than you think.
Let's give it a try! Pick the products listed below that you believe are
"whole-grains.”
• Arnold Honey
Wheat Bread
• Pepperidge Farm Hearty Wheat Crackers
• Nutri-Grain Twists
• Nabisco Stone Ground Wheat Cracker
• Kellogg's Raisin Bran
• Entenmann's Multi-Grain Cereal Bar
• Thomas's Honey Wheat English Muffin
• Dunkin' Donuts Whole Wheat Glazed Yeast Donut
• Starbucks 12-Grain Muffin
How many did you select?
The correct answer is zero! Although the names may suggest they are whole-grain
products, they are not. We must look further than the name of the product.
The only way to really be sure a product is whole-grain is to read the
ingredient list.
WHOLE-GRAIN
BASICS
"Whole wheat or whole grain" must be listed first on the ingredients
list - this is the only way you will know that the product is a "whole-grain.”
Ideally all of the grains listed should be whole-grain, not just the first
one on the label; however, unless a product indicates "100% Whole
Grain" on the front of the label, take the time to read the ingredients.
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF WHOLE-GRAINS
Whole-grains are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber as well as phytonutrients. Whole-grains may reduce blood cholesterol, minimize spikes in blood sugar, correct constipation and protect against some forms of cancer. Besides the nutritional benefits, whole-grains are flavorful and add texture to meals. It is recommended that we consume three servings of whole-grains daily, but only about 5% of grains in the American diet are whole-grains.
NOURISHING
NEWS ARCHIVES
May
2004 Newsletter
©CNS/RQA/CA, INC. 2/04
There is more
to whole-grains than bread and cereal. They can also serve as a
substitute for white rice or potatoes.
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