Whole Grains Boost Weight Loss
Even though dieters shun grains and cereals for their high carbohydrate content, it is actually good for weight loss.
Food grains like rice, wheat, maize, barley, millet, rye and oats have been man’s staple diet from time immemorial. In the last few decades, with increasing awareness in the health sector, people are avoiding grains. The reason cited is that they are rich in carbohydrates, which may lead to fat accumulation.
The truth
The above-mentioned belief is true in part. Carbohydrates, if consumed in excess, get converted to fat and are stored in the body for later use. However, this is not true for all carbohydrates.
There are unprocessed and processed grains. The most commonly available carbohydrates are the ready-made cereals that we often have for breakfast. These cereals or cereal products are completely devoid of fiber and nutrients and are just starch fillers. Moreover, flavors, sugar and salt are added to them to enhance the taste.
As these cereals are highly refined, they are digested easily and raise the blood sugar to unhealthy levels. All the negative things about carbohydrates mentioned above are true in case of these cereals. They give you nothing but ailments and fat deposits.
Whole grain – a nutritional gem
Whole grains have a different story to tell. A grain is the seed from which a new plant grows. As such, it stores all nutrients needed for the growth of the plant. Whole grain is a complete food with all the essential nutrients present in it.
Unrefined grains contain carbohydrates, plant proteins, vitamins B & E, iron, minerals, Omeag-3 fatty acids, and fiber. The nutrients present in whole grains are highly beneficial for the health and even helps in losing weight.
Whole grain contains bran, which is the broken husk of the grain. Bran is the richest source of fiber, which is good for health as a preventive of many serious diseases like cancer and constipation.
For weight loss
Whole grains require more energy to get digested, which is got by burning fat. This leads to weight loss, if supported by other pro-weight loss activities like exercises and proper diet.
As whole grains are digested slowly, they do not cause a sudden raise in blood sugar levels are processed carbs do. Unrefined carbs have a softer effect on the blood sugar levels, which is good for health as well as weight loss.
When more time is taken to digest whole grains, the person stays hunger-free for longer time, which again is good for weight loss. By including whole grains in your meals regularly, you will end up consuming less quantity of food and stay away from snacking unhealthy foods.
The best thing about whole grain is that they are available in a range of flavors to satisfy every palate. Moreover, they are affordable and easily available. A person aiming for weight loss should include whole grains and pulses in all meals to achieve the goal in a healthy way.
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