WHOLE GRAIN Meaning and
Definition
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Whole grain refers to the entire seed or kernel of any cereal grain, such as wheat, barley, rice, or oats, including all its intact components: the bran, germ, and endosperm. It is the complete grain as nature intended it, with nothing removed and nothing added.
The outermost layer of the grain is called the bran, which contains fiber, B-vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. It provides roughage and aids in digestion. The germ is the inner part of the grain, containing many essential nutrients like healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Lastly, the endosperm is the central part of the grain, containing carbohydrate, protein, and some vitamins and minerals.
Whole grain foods are considered healthier and more nutritious than refined or processed grains since they provide a higher concentration of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. These nutrients contribute to various health benefits, including improved digestion, better heart health, reduced risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, and better weight management.
Examples of whole grain products include whole wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and whole grain pasta. When purchasing grain products, it is important to carefully examine labels to ensure that the product is truly whole grain and not refined or processed. Words like "whole grain," "whole wheat," "whole oats," or other specific intact grains should be listed as the first ingredient in order to ensure the product's nutritional value and health benefits.
Etymology of WHOLE GRAIN
The word "whole grain" has a simple etymology.
The term "whole" comes from the Old English word "hāl", which means healthy or unimpaired. Over time, it developed into the modern English word "whole", referring to something that is complete or in its entirety.
On the other hand, "grain" can be traced back to the Old English word "grægn" or "grein", which originally meant seed or kernel. This word has Indo-European roots and is related to other Germanic languages, such as German's "korn" and Dutch's "graan".
Therefore, "whole grain" essentially describes the entire seed or kernel of a plant, indicating that it has not been refined or had its bran and germ removed.
