Whole grain

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Whole grain

Whole grain refers to the intact, ground, cracked or flaked kernel of a cereal grain, after the removal of inedible parts such as the hull and husk. The principal cereal grains include wheat, rice, corn, barley, sorghum, rye, oats and millet.

Pronunciation

  • /ˈhoʊl ɡreɪn/

Etymology

The term "whole grain" is derived from the Old English words "hal" meaning "entire" or "uninjured", and "græn" meaning "seed" or "kernel".

Definition

Whole grain is defined as the use of entire grain, including the bran, germ and endosperm. The bran is the outer layer of the grain and is rich in fiber and B vitamins. The germ is the embryo of the grain and is high in healthy fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants. The endosperm is the largest part of the grain and contains starchy carbohydrates, proteins and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Related Terms

  • Refined grains: These are grains that have had the bran and germ removed, leaving only the endosperm. This process removes much of the fiber, vitamins and minerals from the grain.
  • Whole wheat: This is a type of whole grain that comes from the wheat plant. It includes the bran, germ and endosperm of the wheat kernel.
  • Whole grain bread: This is bread made from whole grain flour, which includes all parts of the grain.
  • Whole grain pasta: This is pasta made from whole grain flour, which includes all parts of the grain.

Health Benefits

Whole grains are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Regular consumption of whole grains has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer.

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski