GRAINS

Let me explain the science behind refined grains vs. whole. It is all over the news feed to stay away from processed foods and this includes refined grains. So, what makes a grain refined?  Usually, a grain is composed of 3 parts. These are the bran, germ, and endosperm.  Some of them having nutrition and others not much.

When we talk about “whole grains” these are things you recognize in the normal form. Old fashioned oats are a great example. Others are quinoa and farro.  They have all three parts of the grain. Most of your nutrition is found in the bran and germ. Things like vitamins, minerals, and fiber.  All of these are what makes whole grains good for you.

Refined grains have been altered by removing the bran and germ.  Some examples of refined grains are white rice, white pastas, white breads and white crackers.    I think you are getting the point. Remember they have removed the portions of the grain that contain the nutrition.

What happens when you keep eating those refined grains/packaged cookies/crackers/bakery items?  Many things will occur in your body.  Starting with empty caloric nutrient void food. These raise your blood sugar and have no fiber which lead you to become hungry quickly and crave more.

Continuing to do this will spark your inflammatory cascade and over time that chronic inflammation happening every day eventually leads to disease formation.  Diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, inflammatory gut conditions, and even some cancers.  The good news is this is easy to fix by steering clear of those processed/refined foods.  As long as you eat whole grains in a moderate amount this process will not happen in your body.  Overnight oats for breakfast topped with nuts/seeds and berries is just what I’m talking about. Enjoy 😊