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The Health Benefits of Whole Grains

Whole grains play an essential role in promoting your overall good health. Aside from fiber, whole grains can also provide you with a number of essential vitamins and nutrients, including folate, iron, magnesium, selenium, thiamin and riboflavin. Eating the recommended three servings of whole grains each day can also help reduce your chances of developing several serious diseases, such as heart disease, and might help with maintaining a healthy weight.

Listed below are many of the nutritional benefits whole grains can provide:
Lowers the risk of developing heart disease.

Diets that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in whole grain foods, like Quaker oatmeal, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Eat at least 3 servings of whole grains daily.
Promotes satiety, which is important for weight management.

Since whole grains are high in complex carbohydrates and fiber, they promote a feeling of fullness. Filling up on nutritious foods like whole grains is a smart thing to do when you're trying to watch your weight.
Whole Grains and Type 2 Diabetes.

Researchers continue to evaluate the effect of diets rich in whole grain foods and their effects on risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Helps keep you regular.

Whole grain foods can help keep you regular and promote a healthy digestive system. The fiber in whole grains help increase stool weight and decreases the amount of time it takes for it to pass through your intestines. This helps promote regularity.
Reduces your risk of developing several types of cancer.

The substances in whole grains that help protect against heart disease may also help prevent certain kinds of cancer, including cancers of the colon, stomach, and prostate. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, the outer layer of whole grains contains high amounts of cancer-fighting phytochemicals, including lignans and phenols.
Whole grains and blood pressure.

The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a dietary pattern recommended by health professionals to help promote healthy blood pressure. The diet includes rich amounts of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and plenty of whole grains. Research shows that whole grains in the DASH diet make important contributions to the overall nutrient intake, as well as, specific nutrients associated with positive effects on blood pressure.