Wednesday

Why Eat Whole Wheat ? by Suzanne M.

Wheat is very important to the food industry. Bread, pasta, bagels, crackers, cakes, and muffins are only a small portion of the list of foods that are made with wheat. However most of these items contain wheat that has been refined and that is not good for many reasons. The addition of whole wheat to your diet as opposed to the consumption of refined wheat is a wise idea.
When you eat whole wheat you are eating a whole grain. Whole grains are grains that still have the bran, germ, and endosperm intact along with nutrients like manganese and dietary fiber. When you consume wheat in its natural unrefined state you are definitely getting the best therefore it is important to choose wheat products made from whole wheat flour. Choosing any less will only deprive your body of a wealth of important nutrients.
Here are some benefits of whole wheat that may inspire you to make the switch; if you haven't already done so:
  • The fiber in whole wheat bread reduces constipation. This condition is a major cause of "western diseases".
  • Consumption of whole wheat actually helps in weight loss and maintenance. It is a misnomer that eating wheat products will make you fat. The truth is that the ingredients found in unrefined wheat products that actually the cause of weigh gain.
  • Whole wheat helps keep the heart healthy.
  • When you eat whole wheat you help prevent gallstones which can be very painful.
  • Diabetics can benefit greatly from a diet that includes whole wheat.
There has been so much controversy of the consumption of wheat when it comes to gluten and many people have abandoned this wonderful ingredient. While there may be some who are gluten or wheat intolerant, it is important to know that this does not mean that everyone is in the danger zone. What is does mean is that we have to more careful about what we consume and where it comes from.
Take the time to learn how to create your own breads, pastas, and more with while wheat flour. If you are gluten intolerant then there are gluten free options available. The bottom line is that nature has so many healthy benefits but many of us have become slaves to convenience and our health pays for it in the end. Find what works for you but do make sure that whole wheat is a part of your diet.
Look for some delicious whole wheat recipes at the Hillbilly Housewife website. While you are there stay informed by joining The Hillbilly Housewife newsletter.

1 comments:

Jeff Iversen said...

Make sure that you look for whole GRAIN wheat. If the label on your bread says "whole wheat", it may be nothing more than white bread with molasses thrown in to make it brown. This is even worse than white bread.

High speed processing takes even more out of the bread. Try to buy breads that are made from stone ground flour.

A Short History Of White Bread