Grains are Important for Health – A Blog from our Nutritionist
By Diane Welland, MS RD
Can eating grains affect your brain? First and foremost, let me say, no! But I can see why you might be confused about topic. New diets and cookbooks can sometimes make us worry about what we are eating and feeding our families but let me assure you that grains are an important part of a healthful diet.
As a registered dietitian and mother of 3, I think it’s important to share why grains, like pasta are an important part of a healthful diet.
- It’s important for your body to eat foods from all food groups. Many studies have shown that a balanced diet is key when it comes to health. The combination of lean proteins, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and grains is exactly what our body needs to thrive and stay healthy.
- Fiber is key for our bodies – it helps to lower our blood cholesterol levels and prevent constipation. Whole grains are one of the best sources of fiber for your body.
- Most grain products, like pasta, are fortified with folate. This is an important B vitamin, necessary for normal cell function and essential for woman before and during pregnancy as it helps to prevent neural tube defects.
Looking for more information about cognitive function, check out this video from Dr. Gene Bowman ND, MPH or visit the Grains for your Brains website.
For more information on the health and nutrition of pasta visit our FAQ page.
