Grains

A grain is a seed of cereal plants such as wheat, rice, corn (maize), oats, rye and barley. These grains provide the body with energy, vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Although grains are filled with carbohydrates that raise blood sugar levels quickly, they are essential to a healthy diet.

- Obesity (BAD)

In one of his articles, Dr Joseph Mercola wrote:

That 65% of Americans are overweight, and 27% clinically obese, in a nation addicted to sesame seed buns for that hamburger, with a side of French fries and a Coke, is no coincidence. It is not the fat in the foods we eat but, far more, the excess carbohydrates from our starch- and sugar-loaded diet that is making people fat and unhealthy, and leading to epidemic levels of a host of diseases such as diabetes.

- Reduced chance of diabetes in women, black and white (GOOD)

In one of his articles Mike Adams, founder and editor of Natural News, wrote:

In the past, studies have shown that magnesium-rich whole grains could lower diabetes risk in white women, and new research from the Harvard School of Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Boston University suggests the benefits also apply to black women.

- Digestive Difficulties such as irritable bowel, Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease as well as increased constipation, diverticulitis and many more disorders of the gastro-intestinal tract (BAD)

In one of his articles Mike Adams, founder and editor of Natural News, wrote:

As you walk down the grocery aisles, you are bombarded with whole grain cereals, breads and other bakery products. Major companies have a big TV campaign promoting their whole grain cereals. Aside from the fact that many of these are loaded with sugar and few are 100% whole grain, are these foods really good for you? Unfortunately, these aren't doing your body much good and could actually be harming you. Grains, nuts and legumes, being seeds, are not "ready to eat". The fiber from untreated whole grains is very harsh and can actually increase digestive difficulties, especially in those who persist in eating a SAD (Standard American Diet). This can lead to irritable bowel, Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease as well as increased constipation, diverticulitis and many more disorders of the gastro-intestinal tract.

- 29 percent Less chance of Heart Failure in Men (GOOD)

Eating whole grain cereal for breakfast every day can reduce a man's risk of heart disease by 29 percent, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. "The Physicians Health Study I" surveyed 21,000 U.S. doctors on their diets and health status over the course of 19 years. In this time, 1,018 of the doctors developed heart failure, which occurs when the heart no longer pumps blood effectively.

The researchers found that men who ate breakfast cereal seven times or more a week had a 29 percent lower risk of heart failure than those who never ate breakfast cereal. This reduction in risk was calculated after adjusting for other risk factors, such as smoking.

- The excess carbohydrates from the grains transferred into the body can cause:

Fatigue and frequent sleepiness (BAD)
Depression (BAD)
Brain fogginess (BAD)
Bloating (BAD)
Low blood sugar (BAD)
High blood pressure (BAD)
High triglycerides (BAD)

Grains fall into two general categories:

1) Gluten containing grains such as rye, barley and especially wheat. These grains should not be consumed unless they have been been soaked, sprouted or fermented (these processes will be discussed later in the article). Oats are actually gluten free but if grown in the US, they are contaminated with gluten as they are grown and processed side by side with wheat. Celtic oats are safe.

2) Gluten free grains such as buckwheat, rice, quinoa and millet are, on the whole, more easily digested. These grains however, still contain other anti-nutrients which should be neutralized.

Quinoa, couscous, and sometimes oatmeal and bulgar are all WHOLE GRAINS (cereal grains which contain bran and germ as well as endosperm). These are GOOD because they contain Biochemical Constituents such as Vitamin E, B vitamins, Riboflavin, Selenium, Copper, Fibre, Thiamin, Beta Carotene, Phosphates, Phytates, Phenolics, Avenathranides, Fatty Acids and Omega 3.

Processed Grains on the other hand are grains that have been mechacally disintegrated into a power or fine substance and sometimes have been spayed with herbicides. Examples of Processed Grains are: pastry and pasta, most cereals and flour.

All in all, whole grain in moderation, are good for health whilst processed grain contains properties that are harmful to the body.