Whole Grains
When eating grains, choose whole grains as part of a healthy lifestyle. Strive to make half of your grains whole grains to gain the health benefits. Some examples of whole-grain ingredients include whole-wheat flour, whole oats, brown rice, and whole rye.
Whole grains are:
- Low in fat with no cholesterol
- A good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Eating whole grains may help reduce:
- Constipation and risk of diverticular disease
- Blood cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease
- Blood sugar levels and risk of type 2 diabetes
- Risk of certain types of cancer, e.g., colon cancer
- Risk of obesity
- Risk neural tube birth defects (affecting the spinal cord or brain) durning fetal development
Here are some ways to eat more whole grains:
- Add whole grain cereal to yogurt for some crunch
- Choose whole grain pasta, tortillas, or brown rice at meals
- Use whole grain flour when baking
- Read the ingredient list and choose foods with whole grains at the top of the list
The current WIC food package includes: whole grain cereals, whole grain breads or tortillas, and options including brown rice and oatmeal. For more information on the WIC food package go to WIC Food Packages
