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 A Healthful Diet
Meeting Daily Nutritional
Guidelines - Tips
Servings and Serving Sizes
Calcium and Iron
Fruits and Vegetables
Grains
Fats
Alcohol
Grains
Foods made from grains, such as wheat, rice and oats are
essential to a healthful diet and proper digestion. They
provide vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, including starch
and dietary fiber, and other elements that are essential for
good health. Natural grain products are very low in fat,
unless fat is added in the processing or preparation of the
food product. Whole grains are significantly better for health
than are refined grains, as they contain more nutrients and
far more fiber. Always attempt to eat whole grain foods when
choosing any grain products. More and more evidence suggests
that eating plenty of grain products and fiber protects the
body against a number of diseases. Plenty of fiber in the diet
helps to aid digestion.
About fiber
Very few North Americans get the recommended amount of fiber
required for health and body maintenance. Whole grains, as
well as fruits and vegetables, offer excellent sources of
fiber and promote proper bowel functioning. Always attempt to
get enough fiber from foods instead of fiber supplements, as
the supplements do not offer all of the protective health
benefits that fiber from food supplies.
Excellent sources of grains include:
-
brown rice
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oatmeal
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whole oats
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bulgur (cracked wheat)
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popcorn
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whole rye
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graham flour
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pearl barley
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whole wheat
Any foods that are "whole wheat"
are preferable. When selecting breads, rice, pastas and
crackers, always look for the words whole wheat or whole
grain.
The U.S. Government's Food and
Nutrition Information Center offers detailed information about
nutritional guidelines for Americans. The National Institute of
Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases offers excellent resources on
nutrition and
other health issues. |
