Make the Switch to Whole Wheat
We’ve all known that whole wheat bread is healthier than white bread, but have you actually made the switch? These days, places like Potbelly’s, Panera and Go Roma are smartening up to the benefits of whole wheat and offering whole wheat bread on sandwiches, whole wheat baguettes as sides, and whole wheat crust for pizza (respectively). And the list doesn’t stop there. Anything that’s made with flour can be made with whole wheat: pastas, cookies, muffins, you name it. So when you have the choice, do you choose whole wheat?
Fortunately in this day in age, the choice is popping up everywhere, not just in the restaurants I’ve mentioned above but in grocery stores too. Now you can buy whole wheat pastas like Barilla Whole Wheat or Ronzoni Healthy Harvest to replace your pasta made with all white or semolina flour.
The benefits of consuming whole wheat grains versus processed grains are innumerable. Whole wheat grains are unprocessed while grains that make up white flours only make up 60 percent of the original grain. Why does it matter? Because the 40 percent that’s taken out of the equation is the healthiest part of the grain. Whole wheat grains are made up of three parts: the endosperm, the bran and the germ. The most nutritious parts are the bran and germ, both of which are removed from white flour (leaving only the endosperm). While the endosperm provides energy with carbohydrates and protein, the bran contains fiber, vitamin B and minerals that we might not get from other parts of our diets. Along the same lines, the germ contains antioxidants and other vitamins for more nourishment. It’s not a health trend, it’s a well known fact. So just think, choosing white bread over whole wheat bread is choosing less nutrition.
And at least for me, whole wheat grains have more flavor. Whether in bread or pasta, whole grains have more of a nutty earthiness about them that I think enhances the meal. But they’re also subtle enough to not sacrifice the flavor of the breads or pastas we may have been accustomed to over the years.
So the next time you’re asked the question “white or whole wheat”? Make the healthy choice. For such little sacrifice and so much to be gained, why not make the switch to whole wheat?
You can always make your own whole wheat recipes at home too.
Whole Wheat Bread
Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies
Whole Wheat Raisin Muffins
Whole Wheat Banana Strawberry Loaf
Whole Wheat Tortillas
Click here for even more whole wheat recipes!
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Tags: benefits of whole grains, bread, grains, health benefits, whole wheat, whole wheat pizza crust, whole wheat recipes, whole wheat tortillas
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Hi Hillary, yes I always choose whole wheat bread and pasta when I can. I find it absolutely delicious. I also try to use unbleached, organic flour when baking as much as possible.
Posted by Syrie at October 14th, 2008, 10:15 pmWhole wheat bread - I almost always choose over white bread. Other than it being healthier, it’s also richer in taste in my opinion. Whole grain pasta I’ve never tried yet, but I will soon.
Posted by Miri at October 15th, 2008, 6:28 amI used to only eat white Wonder Bread as a kid and now I am a whole wheat fan - like you, I find that it just tastes more flavourful and wholesome. It’s not a sacrifice to eat whole wheat at all :)
Posted by Jacqueline at October 18th, 2008, 10:01 pmI’ve made the switch and will never look back. I love the nutty taste of whole grains! And I love serving things to my family that I can feel good about.
Posted by Hot Garlic at October 19th, 2008, 4:47 pm