What Am I Eating! Whole Grain Foods

WHAT AM I EATING! Whole Grain Foods Your name email address (hyperlinked) Department of Kinesiology and Health Fitness KINE 3307: Nutrition for the Health Sciences Dr. Due date (Month, Day, Year) Whole Grain Foods One of the key determinants of health is nutrition. Through an evidence-based nutrition plan, one can reduce significantly their risk of developing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC) [2023], one of the main components of a healthy eating plan is whole-grain foods. Incorporating whole grain foods in dietary plans can contribute immensely towards promoting health and managing weight. Whole grains are defined as those comprising "intact, ground, cracked or flaked caryopsis, whose principal anatomical components—the starchy endosperm, germ and bran—are present in the same relative proportions as they exist in the intact caryopsis” (Gaesser, 2020, p.1). Understanding the key benefits associated with consuming whole grain foods can help consumers adjust dietary components and consequently improve their health. Healthy Components Whole grains are characterized by a wide range of healthy components that are significant in promoting optimal health. Jones and Engelson (2010) state that whole grains contain B vitamins, traditional nutrients, dietary fiber, and minerals, which are integral for optimal health. Furthermore, whole grains have an in-vitro anti-oxidant mechanism that is comparable to the anti-oxidant activity that characterizes fruits and vegetables (Jones & Engelson, 2010). In essence, when one consumes whole grain foods, they also get beneficial properties present in fruits and vegetables. The presence of Vitamin E, phytochemicals, and minerals like Selenium facilitates the anti-oxidant mechanism in whole grains (Jones & Engelson, 2010). In addition, some flavonoids, dietary fibers, tocopherols, and phenolics present in whole-grain foods have anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic properties (John & Engelson, 2010). This underpins their contribution to promoting good health. In sum, whole grains contain minerals and nutrients that are valuable to human health. Reduced Risk of Weight Gain and Obesity One of the key health challenges facing America is obesity. With obesity being a key risk factor for major chronic diseases, measures geared toward reducing it are important in improving public health. The inclusion of whole-grain foods in one's dietary plan is important in reducing the risk of weight gain and obesity. According to...