Throughout September, Whole Grains Month promotes the benefits and flavors of whole grains in a healthy diet.
Whole grains include the entire seed of a plant. A grain seed is composed of three parts.
- Bran – The outer shell of a seed or kernel is hard and contains important minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Endosperm – The next layer of a seed or kernel (or the middle layer) contains most of the carbohydrates found in grains.
- Germ – The center layer provides vitamins, minerals, and necessary protein.
Whole grains are a vital part of a healthy diet. Not only do whole grains help reduce heart disease and diabetes, but it also helps improve bowel health. Maintaining a regular bowel movement is at the top of everyone’s list! (Yes, we went there.)
Adding whole grains to your meals is easier than many people think it is. These whole grains can be added to every meal with ease.
A few kinds of whole grains to start incorporating in your diet include:
- Oats or oatmeal
- Brown or wild rice
- Popcorn
- Whole rye, barley, corn
- Quinoa
- Buckwheat
- Bulgar
Whole Grain Month also promotes recipes and shopping tips all month long.
WHOLE GRAIN MONTH HISTORY
The Whole Grains Council has been promoting Whole Grain Month since 2006. Their mission is to share the importance of whole grains and how to incorporate them into a healthy diet.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WholeGrainMonth
Add whole grains to your meals throughout September! Try these delicious ways to incorporate whole grains:
- Add granola to your yogurt.
- Switch to 100% whole grain bread – this includes 100% whole wheat breads.
- Replace refined pasta with whole-grain versions.
- Replace refined pasta with whole grain rice.
- Add quinoa to your smoothie.
- Enjoy a bowl of air-popped popcorn.
- Switch to whole-grain tortillas.
- Add whole grains to your baking. Replace a portion of a recipe that calls for all-purpose flour with a whole-grain version.
After a month of adding whole grains to your diet, check-in with your body and see how you feel. Use #WholeGrainsMonth to share your favorite ways to cook with whole grains.
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