Question

why are the bran and germ of a whole grain important for a healthy diet? what is wrong with only eating the endorsperm in refined grains like white bread?

Answer 1

There is difference between whole grain and refined grain.

Whole grain is consisting of three parts.

• Bran- it is the outer layer of grain and hard in nature. This part contains fiber, minerals and anti oxidants.
• Germ- This is the middle core which is rich in nutrient that contains carbohydrate, protein,fat, mineral,antioxidant,vitamins and various phytonutrients. This part is otherwise known as embryo of plant that give rise to a whole new plant.
• endosperm- it mostly contains carbohydrate in the form of starch and protein.

benefits of eating whole grain-

• Maintains optimum health.
• Dietary fiber improves digestion and maintains bowel function.
• It regulates blood sugar level.
• full of vitamins and minerals.

However in refined grain the bran and germ part has been removed and it is left only with the endosperm. And removal of nutrient from grain has many implications. First the nutritional value is compromised and second these products deplete our body's reservior of vitamins and minerals. Eating refined grains may lead to quick digestion with spike in blood sugar. When the sugar level drops it make you feel hungry and you feel urge to eat more every time that has huge potential to make you obese.