Whole Grains Promote Good Health

There is a strong link between eating whole grains and health. Whole grains contain dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals (plant compounds) that work together to lower risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Whole grains contain all three parts of the kernel of grain: the bran, the endosperm, and the germ. Examples of whole grains are oatmeal, brown rice, millet, and whole grain wheat, and products made with whole grains, like 100% whole grain bread and pasta. See Whole Wheat, Whole Grains, and Refined Grains: What’s the Difference? to learn more.

Choose whole grains when you shop. Look for 100% whole grain on package labels or the word "whole" in front of the type of grain on the ingredient list.

Add Whole Grains to Your Meals

• Try a New Whole Grain!
• Eat whole grain whole wheat cereals and bread.
• Make buckwheat pancakes and whole grain, whole wheat waffles.
• Add cooked brown rice, hulled barley, or cooked wheat berries to soups and salads.
• Change your pasta from white to whole grain.
• Stir whole grain cereal into yogurt for a tasty snack.
• Replace up to half the white flour with whole grain whole wheat flour in your recipes.
• Add cooked brown rice or whole grain bread crumbs to ground meat.
• See Inspiring Healthy Eating for recipes using whole grains.

Learn More

• Whole Grains: Get the Facts (Health Canada)
• Eat Whole Grain Foods (Canada’s Food Guide)