Whole Grains Prevent Weight Gain

Research from Harvard, recently published in the highly
respected peer-reviewed Journal of Clinical Nutrition, has now
proven that women who eat the most whole grains lose more weight
and maintain that weight loss better than women who eat the
least amount of whole grains.

In a twelve year study of over 74,000 nurses, ages 38 to 63, the
researchers discovered that women who ate the most whole grain
foods weighed less than those who ate the least. The Harvard
scientists concluded that the high whole grain group of women
had a 49 percent lower risk of gaining weight. The women eating
the most whole grains also had a much lower risk of heart
disease and diabetes.

For many years now, nutritional research has recommended the
consumption of nutritious whole grains because they’re rich in
vitamin E and other essential oils, B complex, protein, minerals
and high quality fiber. But, this is the first time that whole
grains have been proven to have such a major effect on both
weight loss and optimal weight management.

Although some popular diets lump all carbohydrates together,
this study proved there is a major distinction. As I’ve said
before, “All carbohydrates are not created equal.” In the
Harvard study, women who ate large quantities of processed,
refined grains tended to be obese, whereas women who ate the
most whole grains weighed less than all the other women in the
study and had less tendency to gain weight.

So, be sure to include 100% whole grain breads and cereals in
your weight loss program. Read the labels. Look for the
coarsest, least processed whole grains. Sprouted and stone
ground are best. And make sure that high glycemic sweeteners are
not high on the ingredient list. European style rye bread or
hearty rye crackers are also good choices. The coarser the grain
the better. The same goes for cereal. Old fashioned oatmeal
should be your choice rather than oat flakes or “instant’ hot
cereals. Avoid ‘puffed” cereals also, even though they might
claim to be 100 % whole grain. My favorite breads are “Ezekiel”
from Food for Life. They can usually be found refrigerated at
most major health food stores.

This latest research shows that you can eat hearty whole grains,
enjoy these low glycemic carbohydrates and stay trim and
healthy. Because now we can say for a fact that whole grains
help prevent weight gain.

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