The Benefits of Whole Grains – Ocean Ranch Organics

The Benefits of Whole Grains

Ocean Ranch Organics Oat Cups - Whole Grains Full of Health Benefits

September is the month that honors one of our most favorite ingredients: whole grains. They are the base of our products and the most fundamental part of our business. They are also very healthy and offer many benefits.

So what makes a grain whole?

Grains have three parts: the bran, the endosperm, and the germ. When grains are refined, the bran and germ are removed. There are many different kinds of grains such as oats, millet, quinoa, buckwheat, barley, etc.

Whole grains contain many important nutrients. For example, one ounce of dry oats contains 3 grams of fiber, 69% of the daily value for manganese, 15% phosphorus, 14% thiamine, 12% magnesium, 9% copper, and 7% of zinc and iron. They’re also known to lower your risk of heart disease, especially when you choose to eat whole grains over refined. Fiber, vitamin K and copper are specifically known for lowering the risk of stroke as well.

Grains are naturally high in fiber, which aids in weight loss because they keep you full for longer. Fiber is also known to help control blood sugar, lower bad cholesterol, and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

The next question that comes to mind is how can one incorporate whole grains into their daily eating habits?

  • Make oatmeal for breakfast using Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
  • Sprinkle whole grain granola on top of your yogurt
  • Try using whole grain flours when baking
  • Use stone ground corn tortillas instead of flour
  • Swap out white rice with brown rice
  • Buy whole grain bread
  • Swap out traditional white pasta with whole grain pasta