Whole grain intake still could improve
Data show people are becoming more aware of whole grains, but they still could consume more of them.
The Whole Grains Council, Boston, this month reported more than 10,700 different products worldwide now have the council’s Whole Grain Stamp. The stamp is found in 46 countries. The International Food Information Council Foundation’s Food and Health Survey 2015 found 56% of Americans were trying to consume a certain amount of whole grains or as much as possible. Whole grains ranked No. 1 in the survey, ahead of fiber (55%) and protein (54%).
Yet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 shows the need for increased whole grain consumption. The Dietary Guidelines recommends 3 1-oz equivalents of whole grains per day. Men age 31 and over and women age 51 and over average about 1 1-oz equivalent per day. Everybody else is under 1 1-oz equivalent per day.
Whole grains vary in dietary fiber content, according to the Dietary Guidelines. They are a source of such other nutrients as iron, zinc, manganese, folate, magnesium, copper, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, selenium, riboflavin and vitamin A.
