How to Eat More Whole Grains

Members of Generation Y face a double edged nutritional sword. On the one hand, we have incredible access to health news and information and have been educated about healthy choices and healthy living from a young age. On the other, we also have access to the highest level of fast, readymade, frozen and convenient foods, many of which contribute to the fact that due to obesity related illness such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke; we are likely to be the first generation of Americans who do not outlive their parents. The statistics are staggering and terrifying on many levels.

Having said this, a diet high in whole grains is associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and confers many health benefits. Only three servings of whole grains per day will reduce stroke risk by 30-36%, type 2 diabetes risk by 21-30% and heart disease risk by 25-28%. Additionally, recent studies have concluded that whole grains also reduce the risk of developing asthma, inflammatory disease, colorectal cancer, gum disease and high blood pressure.

So how do you add more whole grains to your diet? It’s easy. Some examples of whole grains include: barley, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur, millet, oatmeal, wild rice, wheat berries and whole wheat bread, pasta and crackers. When in doubt, check for the word “whole” on the package and choose items with 3 or more grams of fiber per serving.

Tips, tricks and recipes after the jump!

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News You Can Use: Exercise May Reduce Effects of Aging

New research released this week by the National Academy of Sciences showed that exercise effectively reduced or eliminated most detrimental effects of aging in lab mice that had been genetically altered to age at an accelerated rate. This could have a significant impact on how we understand the benefits of exercise in the long term.

Read more after the jump.
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