Due to the fashion for low-carbohydrate diets, grains have come under fire as a weight loss saboteur. However, research has shown that grains are particularly helpful in shifting stubborn abdominal fat. Thankfully, popularity of "super foods" such as quinoa has helped some grains to be accepted on our dinner plates. The grains gaining the most attention are ancient grains. The term "ancient grains" refers to the types of grains that have relatively recently been discovered by the western population. Examples of ancient grains include:
Amaranth
Barley
Buckwheat
Chia
Corn
Millet
Oats
Rice (black, brown, red)
Quinoa
Sorghum
Compared to modern grins such as wheat, ancient grains tend to be higher in fibre, richer in vitamins and minerals and lower GI. They are usually cooked in the whole grain form, making them nutritionally more beneficial than refined modern grains. Furthermore, they tend to be grown organically, so are better for the soil and the environment.
For more information on carbohydrates, read my blog here.
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