Whole grains are the seeds of grasses. The grass family is one of the largest plant families on our planet (more than 10,000 kinds) and one of the most abundant. Grasses grow on all continents including Antarctica, and have always been a major food source for the human race as well as for many of the other animals who share our world.
Whole grains were the first food humans learned to cultivate, marking our transition from hunter-gatherers to agricultural societies. The various grasses that grew in different parts of the world - rice, corn, wheat, rye, oats, quinoa, amaranth, teff, millet - became the "staff of life" for ancient societies. Our ancestors relied heavily on grains because they are easy to grow and store; and they are excellent food, providing lots of carbohydrates for energy plus protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.
Today we have dozens of varieties of whole grains, and a huge
array of whole-grain products to choose from. There are so many
choices that you don't ever need to eat foods made from refined
grains (white flour, white rice or milled corn) that have had valuable
nutrients and fiber removed. If you are trying to lose weight or are
diabetic, try to use actual whole grains (whole seeds such as brown
rice, wild rice or barley) as often as possible. These are marked
with the
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symbol. Read more about these wonderful foods in the 