Always Choose Whole Grains Over Refined Flours

There has been a bit of a push in recent years towards whole wheat and whole grain products over products made with refined flours, such as white bread. So, you may already be making the right choice at the grocery store, but I think it’s important that you understand why you should choose the whole grain over the refined stuff, and what may happen to your health if you don’t. It’s all too easy to grab a burger from a fast food place or a muffin at the deli for breakfast, but if you understand why those things may be detrimental to your health, you may want to go out of your way to find a healthier choice.

What are Refined Grains?
Refining is the process that turns whole grains into white flour. So, the refined flour actually does start out as a whole grain. Refined grains are sometimes also referred to as milled grains. In the process of refining, two parts of the grain kernel are removed: the bran, which is the protective outer layer and a source for fiber and protein, and the germ, which is the part that sprouts, and it is also rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. The only part of the kernel that is left is the starchy white core, which has very little nutritional value at all. You see, the entire process of refining removes everything that is great about the grain to begin with. It would be like employing a police officer, but stripping him of his weapons and all of his power. He wouldn’t be a cop any more than that refined grain is a food.

What About Enriched Flours?
These days, you can buy “enriched” flours that have some of the nutrients added back, but do you really think we know everything about every nutrient there is? We have a long way to go in that department, so it’s probably best if we don’t leave our nutritional needs in the hands of food manufacturers. With whole grains, you aren’t just getting the natural fiber, vitamins and minerals; you’re also getting a host of phytochemcials that work synergistically with the other nutrients to help us maintain optimal health.

By now, I hope you understand the need to buy whole grain foods. Try to avoid products that are labeled as “whole wheat” as there is usually some refining involved in their production. Whenever you have any doubt, stay as close to the natural source of your food as possible. That means that you should always find the least processed form of food or eat food in its natural state. Otherwise, there is no guarantee that what you’re eating is really food.