Wheat.
It’s there to welcome you home from college during Thanksgiving break shaped as a roll. It makes its way in between your hands on a cool spring day filled with peanut butter and jelly. And, you can even find it as the base of your favorite pizza.
Everyone has their opinion on the crop, but we’re here to say wheat isn’t the villain. In fact, it never even claimed to be the hero. It just wants to feed people.
And feed people it does. Approximately one-third of the world's population depends on wheat for their nourishment. That’s why we’re informing you of the benefits it has (as long as you’re not gluten free that is!).
Fact #1: Whole-grain wheat can be a rich source of various antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber.
When you choose 100% whole-wheat products the bran and the germ of the wheat will remain in your meals, with notable health benefits.
Fact #2: Proteins make up 7%–22% of wheat’s dry weight
Fact #3: Whole grains can lower type 2 diabetes risk
Wheat is rich in magnesium, which acts as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymes that are involved in the body’s functional use of insulin and glucose secretion. People who suffer from diabetes are able to keep their sugar levels under control by replacing rice with wheat in their diet.
Fact #4: Wheat helps promote healthy cholesterol
One hundred grams of unrefined wheat contain only 15 to 20 grams of unsaturated fat, which helps promote healthy cholesterol.
Fact #5: Whole wheat can increase energy
With its vitamin B content, it helps provide the body with energy, according to a report by the Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre at Northumbria University.
Fact #6: Prevents childhood asthma
The International Study on Allergy and Asthma in Childhood proved through numerous studies that a wheat-based diet has the capacity to lower chances of developing asthma by almost 50%.
Fact #7: Promotes skin health and hair care
Selenium, vitamin E and zinc in wheat help nourish the skin, fight acne and prevent sun damage.
Zinc in wheat helps promote healthy hair and protects the hair from damage caused by environmental factors.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/wheat
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/cereal/wheat.html