In recent years, our focus on a healthy lifestyle and eating has increased many times over. The reason is simple, we have realized that eating clean and nutritious foods, sleeping well and exercising regularly will help maintain many diseases in the bay. Amidst this wave of health consciousness, many foods and beverages have also become highly sought after for their benefits. One such food is whole grains – which include rajgira or amaranth, kuttu or buckwheat, sabudana or pearl sago, lapsi or broken wheat or dalia, barley or satta or jau, ragi or finger milletbajra or pearl millet, jowar or sorghum.
According to Neh Patodia, co-founder and consultant nutritional therapist, Nutrimend, one should have whole grains or healthy carbohydrates that are high in nutrients because they are nutrient-dense and contain fiber. Such foods include millet, quinoa, oats, rice, whole grain bread, bagels, fresh fruit, potatoes and sweet potatoes, steel-cut and old-fashioned oats, jowar, amaranth, corn, and barley. “It is advisable to make a mixture of starches and add a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to the diet,” Patodia told indianexpress.com.
So it wasn’t surprising to see Lovneet Batra, a nutritionist, share the many benefits of whole grains on her Instagram. “You’ve probably heard that whole grains are much healthier than refined grains.” grains but you probably have no idea why they are referred to as a storehouse of good health,” she captioned her post, going on to list some of the reasons why whole grains are an essential part of your diet plan.
*Controls sugar levels: Whole grains have a low glycemic index and therefore help better manage blood glucose levels. It is also important to supply the body with key nutrients needed to manage blood sugar levels. The presence of minerals such as magnesium and the chromium, phytochemicals, organic acids, and enzyme inhibitors in whole grains, along with the high fiber content, work together to stabilize sugar levels.
*Supports heart health: According to studies, intake of whole grains and bran is associated with a 16-30% lower risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease. In addition, certain compounds in whole grains, such as fiber, vitamin K and antioxidantsit may also reduce the risk of stroke.
*Regulates hormonal imbalance: Whole grains contain compounds called lignans, which have a weak hormone-like effect that can help you achieve better hormonal balance. Whole grains are also a good source of vitamin B6, which is thought to play a beneficial role in driving hormones and alleviating premenstrual symptoms such as bloating, mood swings, and menstrual cramps.
*Reduces chronic inflammation: Inflammation is the root of many chronic diseases. Whole grains have been reported to affect serum levels of inflammatory cytokines.
So when do you include whole grain foods in your diet?
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