Whole Wheat Health Benefits
Whole wheat is basically flour made from unrefined wheat. Using wheat in this form is more nutritious. Often the flour is made after the husk is removed. This kind of wheat is usually used and it is called refined flour or ‘white’ flour. Understanding the information & facts of whole wheat will help realize that, it is in fact better for your body.
Whole wheat is richest in dietary fiber. It provides over 30 percent of your daily required intake of fiber. Whole wheat is even rich in manganese, magnesium and tryptophan, which is a form of protein. The health benefits of whole wheat make it a preferred choice. More and more people are shifting to whole wheat instead of regular wheat products. When wheat is processed to make majority of the products we consume including bread, pasta, biscuits or cookies, the process strips all or most of the nutrients along with it. Half of the vitamin content, folic acid, phosphorus, zinc, copper iron and above all fiber, are all lost.
- Whole wheat for diabetics is a great choice because of the high fiber content. The high fiber keeps the GI index of the food low. This means eating whole wheat helps maintain blood glucose level.
- Eating whole wheat for weight loss might seem unusual, but it is a very good idea. The fiber content in whole wheat makes you full with lesser food and keeps you feeling full longer. This in turns also improves your metabolism and leads to good weight loss.
- Acne is another common skin condition that occurs when you constantly eat refined products. One way to keep acne in check is to eat a balanced diet with a good amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, including whole wheat options, to keep your fiber content high. The fiber helps remove and cleanse your body of toxins which in turn will clear the acne and give you clear, glowing skin.
- Fiber is often said to solve most health problems. Constipation is another condition that can be treated once you increase your consumption of whole wheat products. The fiber will help your intestines and colon to function well and help you clean your system well.
- Regular intake of whole wheat products has also shown a reduction in the risk of cancer, along with a reduction in risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
- People who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) might not benefit from consuming whole wheat products till the infection is not resolved. For such people, passing stools is a painful activity and consuming more fiber rich food can bother them more. These patients should eat as little fiber as possible till the irritation subsides.
Side Effects Of Whole Wheat
Despite its many health benefits, whole wheat can cause some side effects. The reasons for these ill effects are not so much because of whole wheat, but because of environmental reasons like pesticides and other harmful ingredients added to the crop. These are ingested because whole wheat is processed less. People who suffer from chronic autoimmune diseases could suffer from eating too much whole wheat because their bodies will not be able to defend itself against the toxic nutrients. It is recommended that such people get their dietary fiber from vegetables instead of grains.
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