What does whole grain mean?

Whole grain means that a food product is made with the whole (entire) grain.
In other words the grain kernel used contains its three original parts:

1. Bran

The outer, protective layer of the kernel.

2. Germ

The innermost part of the kernel.

The bran and germ contain most of the nutrients in a whole grain, including:

• Fiber
• B vitamins and Vitamin E
• Antioxidants
• Minerals such as iron, zinc, copper and magnesium

3. Endosperm

The middle of the kernel rich in starchy carbohydrates.

Whole grains include wheat, corn, rice, oats, etc. in their whole form.

The USDA recommends making at least half of your grain servings whole grain to achieve the daily recommended amount of fiber.

How many servings of grains do I need in a day?
What counts as a serving of grains?

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