Healing Properties Of Grains

Grains

Grains are the seeds of plants. Whole grains contain all parts of the
grain, including the bran, endosperm and germ.
Bran. Forming the outer layer of the seed, the bran is a rich source of
niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.
The bran also contains the majority of the seed's fiber.
Germ. A concentrated source of niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin E,
magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. The germ also contains protein
and fat.

A rich source of fiber and naturally low in fat
An important source of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins,
Vitamin E, folate, selenium, zinc and iron
They contain a variety of phytochemicals and antioxidants
They help form the foundation of healthy eating
There is a wide variety to choose from
Tend to have a low glycemic index, which helps to regulate blood
sugar levels
Associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, constipation, obesity,
heart disease and cancer.

Healing Properties Of Grains

Barley:

It's brimming with beta glutens, a type of fiber that can lower your risk
of heart disease by reducing levels of artery clogging LDL. (low
density lipoprotein)
Hulled, waxy varieties (found in health food stores) contain the most
beta glucans, but any barley is a good source.
Look for the term "unpearled" on the box; this means the barley is
unprocessed and higher in fiber. (all fibers help lower blood pressure)

Bran Cereal:

Pick one high in wheat bran, there's no better source of cancer fighting
insoluble fiber, the kind that increases stool bulk and speed.
(Scientists think that faster the toxins move through your bowels, the
lower your risk of colorectal cancer.)
Look for a cereal that provides at least 5 grams of fiber per serving.

Oats:

A good choice for lowering LDL cholesterol.
Most recently, an analysis of 10 studies found that eating 3 grams of
soluble fiber a day, the amount in a large bowl of 100 percent oat bran
cereal, or three packets of instant oatmeal can cut LDL cholesterol by
at least 5.6 percent in six weeks.

Whole Wheat Bread:

Whole wheat bread flour and bread contain triple the fiber found in
white bread.
It is also richer in vitamin B6 and magnesium.
According to Simm Meydani, Ph.D professor of nutrition at Tuffs
University in Boston, we need extra B6 as we age to keep our immune
system strong.
Any whole wheat foods, including pasta, provide protection.

Wheat Germ:

Top notch for almost any nutrient.
Just a quarter cup packs in 5 grams of fiber, as well as almost all the B
vitamins, iron, magnesium and zinc.
It is incredibly rich in manganese too and is one of the best sources of
vitamin E (other than oils) and chromium.
Many Americans get too little chromium, a mineral that helps regulate
blood sugar levels.