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February 03, 2006
Whole grains: The new broccoli
We've heard for years that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can protect against heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. But did you know that whole grains are now believed to provide just as many benefits? Whole grains have this whole army of different phytonutrients that are doing just as much as fruits and veggies. (A phytonutrient is the name given to the parts of plants that have health benefits.) According to researchers at the University of Minnesota, eating three daily servings of whole grains can reduce the risk of heart disease by 25 to 36 percent, stroke by 37 percent, and type 2 diabetes by 21 to 27 percent. Whole grains include oats, whole wheat, brown rice, bulgur, and bran, among others. Pick foods whose first ingredient contains the word whole instead of enriched.
Posted by Lisa at February 3, 2006 07:38 AM
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