Oats are a whole-grain food, known scientifically as Avena sativa. Oat groats, the most intact and whole form of oats, take a long time to cook. For this reason, most people prefer rolled, crushed or steel-cut oats.
Whole or refined grainWhole: Just like all whole grains, rice naturally contains three edible components—the bran, germ, and endosperm (the inedible hull is removed). “Brown” rice is the typical whole grain rice, though this describes not a particular variety but the natural color of the grain.
When it's air-popped and lightly seasoned, popcorn is an efficiently healthy snack. That's because it is a whole grain, and high-fiber whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and other health problems.
In general, 1 slice of bread, 1 cup of ready-to-eat cereal, or ½ cup of cooked rice, cooked pasta, or cooked cereal can be considered as 1 ounce-equivalent from the Grains Group. The table below lists specific amounts that count as 1 ounce-equivalent of grains towards your daily recommended intake.
According to MyPlate and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, school-age youth need about 5 to 8 ounces of grains a day; adults need 6 to 8 ounces.
The Difference Between Brown and White RiceThe primary difference between brown rice and white rice is simply that brown rice is a whole grain, while white rice is a slightly processed form of the whole grain. All whole grains, including rice, contain three integral parts; the bran, the germ and the endosperm.
Whole grains are packed with nutrients including protein, fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, and trace minerals (iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium). A diet rich in whole grains has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some forms of cancer.
Oats are among the healthiest whole grains you can eat. They're not only packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber but also naturally gluten-free. What's more, oats are rich in antioxidants, especially avenanthramide.
The 7 Healthiest Types of Bread
- Sprouted whole grain. Sprouted bread is made from whole grains that have started to sprout from exposure to heat and moisture.
- Sourdough.
- 100% whole wheat.
- Oat bread.
- Flax bread.
- 100% sprouted rye bread.
- Healthy gluten-free bread.
All whole grain kernels contain three parts: the bran, germ, and endosperm. Each section houses health-promoting nutrients. The bran is the fiber-rich outer layer that supplies B vitamins, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.
Choosing whole grains
- Barley.
- Brown rice.
- Buckwheat.
- Bulgur (cracked wheat)
- Millet.
- Oatmeal.
- Popcorn.
- Whole-wheat bread, pasta or crackers.
Serving and Portion Sizes: How Much Should I Eat?
- Vegetables — 2 to 3 cups.
- Fruits — 1½ to 2 cups.
- Grains — 5 to 8 ounces.
- Dairy — 3 cups (fat-free or low-fat)
- Protein foods — 5 to 6½ ounces.
- Oils — 5 to 7 teaspoons.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides specific guidelines:3. A one-ounce equivalent of grains is considered to be about one serving of a grain food, such as one slice of bread or one cup of cereal.
For example, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines recommend the average adult consume two servings of fruit per day, while the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends adults eat four to five servings of fruit per day.
Some think they are an essential component of a healthy diet, while others think they cause harm. In the US, the health authorities recommend that women eat 5-6 servings of grains per day, and men eat 6-8 (1). However, some health experts believe that we should be avoiding grains as much as possible.
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| Food group | 1,600-calorie diet | 2,000-calorie diet |
|---|
| Low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products | 2-3 a day | 2-3 a day |
| Lean meats, poultry and fish | 3-4 one-ounce servings or fewer a day | 6 one-ounce servings or fewer a day |
| Nuts, seeds and legumes | 3-4 a week | 4-5 a week |
| Fats and oils | 2 a day | 2-3 a day |
Your Daily DietHave a healthy balance of foods each day: 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 cups of vegetables. 6-10 ounces of grain, 1/2 from whole grains. 3 cups of nonfat or low-fat dairy foods.
- Quaker Weight Control Maple & Brown Sugar.
- Sara Lee Soft & Smooth White Made with Whole Grain Bread.
- Zatarain's Brown Rice Jambalaya Mix.
- Whole Wheat Ritz Crackers.
- Kellogg's Froot Loops Whole Grain Cereal.
- Thomas' Plain Bagels Made with Whole Grains.
- Pepperidge Farms Farmhouse Oatmeal Bread.
The pyramid, updated in 2005, suggests that for a healthy diet each day you should eat:
- 6 to 8 servings of grains.
- 2 to 4 servings of fruits and 4 to 6 servings of vegetables.
- 2 to 3 servings of milk, yogurt, and cheese.
- 2 to 3 servings of meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts.
