Are whole grains healthy foods?
Absolutely! Grains provide about half the world’s protein and fiber. Whole grains are rich in B vitamins (especially thiamin and niacin) and vitamin E. They’re good sources of copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc, plus a variety of phytochemicals and antioxidants.
Are grains essential for a healthy diet?
No. There are no nutrients in grains that can’t be derived from other foods. One approach is to eat your daily quota of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and then vary your grain intake based on your energy (caloric) needs. If your energy needs are very low, your allowance for grains will be low. If you’re moderately or very active, you can afford to eat more grains.