Home About Paula Blog Breakfast Club Talks / Workshops Your Health Food Industry What's New Contact Links Sitemap The Breakfast Club        Welcome The Breakfast Blog What's New - Research News Why bother eat breakfast? What about salt? What about sugar? What is High In / Low in ? Breakfast Calories What about fibre? What about calcium? What about iron? Breakfast shopping list Understanding labels Guide to GDA labels Breakfast Makeovers Portion Distortion Breakfast choices Breakfast Swaps!        You are here:  >>  Home  >>  The Breakfast Club  >>  What about fibre?                 What about fibre?               You probably already know you need to eat less fat, salt and sugar and eat more fruit and vegetables but did you know you should also be eating more fibre-rich foods?               What are whole grains? Grains like wheat, barley, rye and oats, are made up of three parts; the endosperm, the bran and the germ. The endosperm, a concentrated source of starch, makes up about 80% of the whole grain. Bran, the outermost layer, is a rich source of dietary fibre, B vitamins and phytochemicals. While the germ contains, ‘healthy’ fats, B vitamins and vitamin E. As the name suggests, wholegrain foods are those which contain all three parts of the grain.               How to eat more whole grains There are plenty of simple and tasty ways to eat whole grains:  Swap white bread for whole meal bread.  Choose brown rice instead of white.  Use whole meal flour for baking.  Choose oatcakes or whole meal crackers.  Swap couscous for bulgur wheat.        Wholegrain cereals are also a convenient and nourishing way to get the health benefits of wholegrain and fibre. Fibre is a vital nutrient in maintaining health of the whole body. Fibre plays a role in: good digestive health and prevention of constipation; prevention of unwanted weight gain, reduction in risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and cancers of the bowel. Fibre also provides a source of energy for the friendly ‘probiotic’ bacteria living in the lower digestive tract helping to protect against tummy upsets and to boost whole body immunity.                                      Keep in mind that research on these matters is on-going and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.                   © Paula Mee 2011 Privacy Statement        Home page                Powered by go2web