What are the health benefits of whole grains?
Whole grains provide fibre, vitamins, minerals, and hundreds of antioxidant phytonutrients
("phyto" comes from the Greek word "phyton", which means "plant"). Together, these
substances act as an arsenal that helps us fight obesity, intestinal problems, heart
disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
How many portions of whole grains should I eat?
The new Canada's Food Guide recommends that at least half of our portions of cereal
products (bread, cereal, pasta, rice, etc.) should be in the form of whole grains.
This is a great way to increase our intake of beneficial fibre, vitamins, minerals,
and antioxidants!
How can I increase my consumption of whole grains?
Start your day with a bowl of porridge or whole grain cereal, or a slice of whole-wheat
toast. At snack time, have a muffin or a whole-grain bar such as a HOP&GO! Plus
Multigrain cereal bar. Try serving brown or wild rice, bulgur wheat, pot barley,
and whole wheat pasta more often instead of the more commonplace white or refined
forms of these foods.
