Wholegrain foods are an important part of a healthy diet. They contain all of the different nutritious components found in the original grain such as vitamins, minerals, protein and antioxidants.
The dietary guidelines for Australians recommend we eat plenty of bread, rice and pasta, preferably wholegrain.
While you enjoy the texture and taste of
wholegrain foods, your body can benefit from the:
- Fibre – for digestive health
- B vitamins – for energy release
- Iron – for delivery of oxygen to working cells
- Magnesium – for a healthy nervous system
- Folate – for healthy blood cells
Through wholegrain foods you can benefit from 3 different types of fibre that help the digestive system work efficiently.
- Soluble Fibre slows the time it takes for food to pass through the digestive system resulting in a slow, steady uptake of nutrients, and a reduced level of cholesterol absorption. It is found in higher amounts in oats and barley.
- Insoluble Fibre helps keep you regular. It is found in higher amounts in wheat and rye.
- Resistant Starch encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria to keep the bowel healthy. It is found in higher amounts in corn.
Higher intakes of wholegrain foods over the long term, have been shown to promote heart health, and may also help maintain a healthy weight.