whole grain
January 2011
Going with the Grain and Fiber The School Meal Program is a Foundation for Building Good Habits Encouraging good eating habits begins early in life by providing children with foods rich in the nutrients they need to support their growing bodies and developing minds. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy, and whole grains can help children stay healthy. Thanks to new recommendations by the government, more attention is being placed on whole grains and dietary fiber, and for good reason. Whole grains are a kind of nutritional powerhouse and some provide a good source of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is also found in fruits, vegetables, dry beans and peas. Experts recommend three servings of whole grain foods each day and 25 to 35 grams of dietary fiber for school-age children. The benefits of whole grains and dietary fiber are just as important for children as they are for adults. Research studies have shown that eating more whole grain-rich foods and dietary fiber helps lower the risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. A meal that features whole grain foods and dietary fiber also provides a feeling of fullness, which can help curb snacking, moderate the intake of excess calories and support a healthy weight.
Anatomy of a Whole Grain Whole grains contain the entire grain: the bran, the endosperm and the germ. The diagram below illustrates a whole grain kernel and the specific nutritional benefits each fraction provides.
Bran
Endosperm
“Outer shell” protects the seed
Provides energy
• Fiber • B Vitamins • Trace Minerals
• Carbohydrate • Protein • Some B Vitamins
Germ
Nourishment for the seed
• B Vitamins • Vitamin E • Trace Minerals • Phytonutrients
8500 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, MN 55437 • 1-877-302-7426 • livesmartschools.org SFP411-179 Letterhead.indd 12
6/30/11 11:14 AM
Going with the Grain and Fiber The School Meal Program is a Foundation for Building Good Habits Encouraging good eating habits begins early in life by providing children with foods rich in the nutrients they need to support their growing bodies and developing minds. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy, and whole grains can help children stay healthy. Thanks to new recommendations by the government, more attention is being placed on whole grains and dietary fiber, and for good reason. Whole grains are a kind of nutritional powerhouse and some provide a good source of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is also found in fruits, vegetables, dry beans and peas. Experts recommend three servings of whole grain foods each day and 25 to 35 grams of dietary fiber for school-age children. The benefits of whole grains and dietary fiber are just as important for children as they are for adults. Research studies have shown that eating more whole grain-rich foods and dietary fiber helps lower the risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. A meal that features whole grain foods and dietary fiber also provides a feeling of fullness, which can help curb snacking, moderate the intake of excess calories and support a healthy weight.
Anatomy of a Whole Grain Whole grains contain the entire grain: the bran, the endosperm and the germ. The diagram below illustrates a whole grain kernel and the specific nutritional benefits each fraction provides.
Bran
Endosperm
“Outer shell” protects the seed
Provides energy
• Fiber • B Vitamins • Trace Minerals
• Carbohydrate • Protein • Some B Vitamins
Germ
Nourishment for the seed
• B Vitamins • Vitamin E • Trace Minerals • Phytonutrients
8500 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, MN 55437 • 1-877-302-7426 • livesmartschools.org SFP411-179 Letterhead.indd 12
6/30/11 11:14 AM
