Whole grains or no grains?

[Anonymous]

Is it better for your health to eats lots of whole grains (wheatberries, quinoa, brown rice) or to reduce consumption of all grains to relatively low levels?

[Anonymous]

Personally, I think you need to figure out what works for your body. I eat a moderate amount of whole grains, and during the times when I relied heavily on whole grains I felt hungry constantly. However, I know other people who feel worse when they eat any grain, and others who feel best when they eat a lot of grain.

[Anonymous]

There is so much conflicting research on this. "Lots" of grains aren't great, or necessary -- I think that is clear. But I don't know if I buy that it's bad to eat a small amount of grains if you're an otherwise healthy person. I can see the argument for the diabetic or the immuno-compromised.

Some claim grains are inflammatory, and that once they've given them up, problems that plagued them disappeared.

Personally, I tend to lean towards the low consumption end, as grains, even the so-called "healthy" ones, seem to trigger binge-eating for me.

[Anonymous]

Read "Why We Get Fat" by Gary Taubes, and "Wheat Belly" by Dr. Davis.

[Anonymous]

Yes, the fiber we get from whole grains (and fruits & vegetables) is very important:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/fiber-health-benefits-11/fiber-digestion

For certain groups, like diabetics they need to monitor their consumption of grains b/c of how it affects blood sugar levels.

Other people may be gluten sensitive or gluten intolerant. Wheat berries are out but brown rice and quinoa are fine.

[Anonymous]

"research shows that nutrients in legumes, whole grains and dairy help to lower one's risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, reduce blood pressure, and maintain a healthy weight..."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/20/paleo-diet-healthy_n_1898529.html

[Anonymous]

There are no nutrients in grains that you can't get from other sources, like plants, meat and fat.

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/07/magazine/what-if-it-s-all-been-a-big-fat-lie.html?scp=1&sq=what%20if%20its%20all%20been%20a%20big%20fat%20lie?&st=cse

[Anonymous]

Depends--some people can eat them and some can't, without becoming obese.

http://garytaubes.com/2011/03/dose-of-intervention-land-of-dr-oz/

[Anonymous]

I am of the mindset that you need to figure out what works for you. however, I beleive that overall grains are calorie dense and nutrient poor. You can get all the same benefit from eating more veggies. for me if i am eating a lot of grains I am also eating less veggies at meal because grains are easy to overeat. Obviously others can eat gains in moderation, but that doesn't work for me. When i cut grains i ate a ton more veggies which I think are more beneficial from a health standpoint.

[Anonymous]

There is an argument to be made here about whole grains and phytic acid. Phytic acid is mostly in the bran layer of grains and legumes. It is often called an anti nutrient, as it bonds with critical minerals in the body, like calcium, vit D, and phosphorus, and removes those minerals from the body.

Soaking the grains helps reduce phytic acid. And not eating the bran (IE, eating white rice and white bread as opposed to whole grains) is better in this regard.

http://www.westonaprice.org/food-features/living-with-phytic-acid

Also, brown rice is apparently high in arsenic, which could be a concern for anyone who eats that as a dietary staple.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/11/arsenic-in-your-food/index.htm