1. HEART HEALTHY BENEFITS Whole grains are an important source of nutrients, especially B vitamins and fiber. When grains are processed or refined many of the nutrients are lost. Although enriched grains have some of these nutrients replaced, they contain less nutrition than whole grains. Whole Grains Can Help… Lower Blood Pressure Lower Cholesterol Reduce Risk of Heart Disease Reduce Risk of Stroke Reduce Risk of Colon Cancer Reduce Risk of Type II Diabetes WHOLE HEARTED GRAINS FACT: The average American only eats one serving of whole grains per day despite the recommendation to eat3-5 servings per day! Are you getting enough whole grains? • TIPS FOR SUCCESS • Look for the WHOLE GRAIN STAMP on food packages • Include 1 to 2 servings of whole grain at every meal. • Substitute whole grain bread for white bread, • brown rice for white rice, whole grain pasta for enriched • pasta, and whole grain cereal for sugary cereal • One serving of whole grain is equal to: • - 1 slice whole wheat bread • - ½ cup of cooked whole grain cereal, brown or wild rice, whole grain pasta • - 1 cup dry flake cereal like Corn Flakes or Total • - ¼ cup dense cereal (granola) • - 1 ½ cups puffed cereals like puffed wheat Resource: www.wholegrainscouncil.org