Whole grains are truly an amazing food source!

Many people don’t realize that whole grains are much more than a so-called “heart healthy” food option being marketed about in great abundance. They have many health benefits and new research is uncovering more and more all the time.

In fact, just recently it was proven that eating three servings of whole grains each day is linked to a longer life. It’s no wonder why the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommends eating three or more servings of whole grains per day.

Want to live a longer, healthier life? I have two words for you…whole grains!

Did you know that whole grains also offer 20 percent reduced risk of premature death from heart disease?

And whole grains also drop your stroke risk by approximately 25 percent.

Whole grains also reduce the risk of death from cancer by about 15 percent.

If you still aren’t convinced, then what about this…

Whole grains are also attributed to lower risk of dying from diabetes, respiratory disease and infectious diseases too.

What’s not to love about whole grains?

Sometimes people confuse whole grains for ‘anything brown’ or something being marketed as “100% wheat,” but that can be deceiving. The reason being is that food coloring, like carmel, can be added to enriched flour to make it appear as if it’s whole grains when it is not. So, it’s best to read labels and look for the first ingredients listed be whole grains, such as whole wheat.

I know some people may be wondering….what are whole grains anyway? Good question! Whole grains are whole wheat, oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, rolled or whole oats, bulgur wheat, barley, wild rice and popcorn to name a few.

These types of grains not only offer terrific fiber, but are disease prevention powerhouses that help increase lifespans. As time goes by, the more we learn about whole grains’ benefits further prove their healthfulness in a healthy, balanced diet.

Hopefully this information has helped you understand whole grains better and see the many, many health benefits of eating three servings per day to prevent premature death and live a longer, healthier life.