#295 | MM - Are Whole Grains Healthy for You?

Grains have been vilified in more recent years, predominantly by modern Paleo Diet ideology. However, evidence suggests that humans have been consuming varieties of grains for at least 100,000 years!

Of course, 100,000 years is still little more than a blip in the timeline of human history, but if one thing is certain, it is clear that past actions and behaviors do not inherently equate to the healthiest practice in the present.

When people talk about grains in the diet today, most people immediately imagine a loaf of bread, a bowl of pasta, or cupcakes. Like refined fats or sweeteners, processing grains strips away so much of the fiber and nutrients leaving mostly "empty calories" that shouldn't ever be considered "health-promoting." BUT, in their most natural and intact state, the conversation around whole grains completely shifts.

In today's episode, we hope to dispel any confusion around consuming grains in your plant-based diet.

If you'd like to join these conversations live, be sure to Subscribe to the Alter Health YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

AND, join us in the FREE upcoming WFPB Anti-Inflammatory Challenge - https://www.alter.health/wfpb-antiinflammatory-challenge

Some highlights from today's MM episode...

• Grains are defined as the seeds of a grass, though there are also many "pseudo-grains" that are widely consumed
• Most think of wheat, oats, rice, etc - but there are in fact hundreds of varieties of whole grains (amaranth, barley, buckwheat, bulgur, corn, farrow, freekeh, millet, quinoa, rye, sorghum, spelt, teff, wild rice - and more!) 
• Gluten is a protein found in only 3 varieties of grains - wheat, barley, rye - most gluten sensitivity is likely a result of chemical exposure from conventional agricultural practice
• Whole grains contain bran (B vitamins and fiber), germ (protein, minerals, fats), endosperm (carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals) - refined grains generally just contain endosperm
• INTACT whole grains are best - processed grains (even processed whole grains) increase surface area thereby diminishing nutrient density and fiber content
• Diversifying intake of intact whole grains is best - brings in unique fibers, minerals, and phytonutrients

Links to some more good stuff
-  Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com/
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.