What Is A Whole Grain?
A whole grain is the edible part of a grain kernel and is composed of endosperm, bran and germ. Each of these parts contains important nutrients.
Endosperm Germ
Bran
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The Whole Grain Nutrients
Endosperm
The large endosperm is full of complex carbohydrates and protein
The outer bran layer is full of fiber and B vitamins
Bran
Germ
The germ is full of B vitamins, Vitamin E, trace minerals and healthful unsaturated fats and antioxidants
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Benefits of Whole Grains
• A diet rich in whole grains has been shown to:
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Each individual part is healthful, but even greater benefits can be derived from eating all three parts combined. 1
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Kansas State University Study, Sept. 2002
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Whole Grain Products
What Aren’t Whole Grain Products?
• Products labeled “100% Wheat” ─ This means the product contains wheat, but most likely does not contain Whole Wheat Flour or it would specify. Products labeled with the words “multi-grain,” “stone ground,” “seven grain” or “cracked wheat” are usually not Whole Grain products. Also, if the label says “enriched wheat flour” it is not 100% whole grain.
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Whole Grain Products
How can you tell a 100% “Whole Grain Product”?
• Look for the ingredient label to specify whole wheat flour and whole grain corn meal in the ingredient statement.
100%
SUGAR, WHOLE GRAIN CORN MEAL SUGAR, WHOLE GRAIN CORN MEAL
INGREDIENTS: BATTER: WATER, WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT FLOUR, INGREDIENTS: BATTER: WATER, WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT FLOUR,
INGREDIENTS: BATTER: WATER, WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT FLOUR, INGREDIENTS: BATTER: WATER, WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT FLOUR, SUGAR, ENRICHED CORN MEAL SUGAR, ENRICHED CORN MEAL
Although whole grain claim is able to be made, of all flour used up to 49% maybe enriched flour.
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Credit
• Thanks to State Fair Corn Dogs, and Sara Lee Foodservice for this information.
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