Choosing Whole Grains for Health

While eating grains has become a bit taboo these days with all the no-carb or low-carb diets around, eating whole, natural grains is actually vital to good health and to maintaining a healthy weight.

The problem of course is distinguishing between good carbohydrates and bad ones.  With the glycemic index now widely available to anyone however, it has become easier than ever to know which carbs have a negative effect on your blood sugar and which ones are more slowly digested and therefore beneficial to your health.

When it comes to knowing which ones to choose however, it can be as simple as asking yourself how refined or processed the food in question is.  In general, the more refined, processed or prepared the item is, the more damage it is going to do to your body.

Having said this, it is equally important to note that going entirely without carbohydrates or whole grains is not healthy either.  Whole grains are essential to good health as they provide a host of vitamins, mineral and nutrients as well as helping you get your daily required intake of fiber.

As anyone who has taken part in a pure protein diet knows, fiber is key to feeling good.  Getting your fiber isn’t always easy, especially when carbs are severely restricted.

Digestive disturbances are part and parcel of all protein diets.  Carbs are necessary to maintaining good digestive health and to making sure your body lets go of toxic buildup.

Some of the best whole grains for health include: millet, wheat berries, bulgur, hulled barley, and brown rice.  These grains are more slowly digested than white rice or pasta and will therefore keep insulin levels lower.

Quinoa is another superfood that is rich in protein even while having carbohydrate appeal.  Using this instead of the usual white pasta can have a dramatic effect on your risk for Diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

Instead of forgoing carbohydrates entirely therefore, most nutritionists will tell you to opt for whole grains, and whole wheat alternatives.  This simple change in your diet can make a world of difference to your overall health and well being. 

Keeping your carbohydrate intake moderate and switching to whole grains will help speed weight loss without you having to give up carbs entirely.  Cutting out an entire food group is never a long term solution to weight management.