Grains

What is a grain? A grain is wheat or any other cultivated cereal crops that are being used as a food. Examples of grains are; millet, rye, barley, oats, rice, triticale, sorghum, and miaze.

Carbohydrates Carbs are important for our diet. They provide our body with glucose, which is converted to energy used to support bodily functions and physical activity. Some carbs are better for you than others. The healthiest sources of carbs is unprocessed/minimally processed grains, vegetables, beans, and fruits. They provide the body with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The unhealthier sources of carbohydrates include white bread, pasta, soda, and heavily processed or refined foods. They include easily digested carbs that may promote weight gain, diabetes and heart disease.

Cereal crops grown in Saskatchewan Cereal crops grown in Saskatchewan are wild rice, wheat, barley, oats, rye, and triticale.

The staff of life Bread has been called the Staff of Life. It is called that because it is a very basic food that supports life.

Bread and cultures http://www.nationalgeographic.com/what-the-world-eats/ Grains is one of the most consumed food item in the world.

Fiber and complex carbohydrates Complex carbs are needed in the diet. They provide vitamins, minerals, and fibers that are important to the health of the individual. The majority of carbohydrates should be coming from complex carbohydrates and naturally occurring sugars, but the majority of carbs consumed by the average person comes from refined foods and refined sugars.

Parts of a grain The germ of the grain is the inner layer and is rich in nutrients. The bran is the outer layer of the grain and is rich in fiber. The endosperm is the bulk of the kernel and contains some vitamins and minerals, and is what white flour is made up of. If a product contains all three parts, it is considered a whole grain.

Why is flour enriched Enriched flour is flour that has had most of its natural vitamins and minerals have been extracted. This is done to give flour a finer texture and make the shelf life longer. If the product doesn’t say whole wheat, the flour that is used in the product will most likely be enriched.