Improving kid's health with whole grains

MANILA, Philippines - Wondering how to improve a child’s health through his diet? It might be a good idea to start looking into whole grain foods.

Whole grains have been found to be nutritionally superior in giving health benefits than refined grain foods like white rice and white bread.

Food items made from whole grain, such as cereals, bread and even pasta, contain all the healthy parts of the grain. With these parts intact, kids can enjoy all the whole grain benefits together with vitamins and minerals to help improve their health and support their growth and development.

Whole grains contain all three important parts of a grain: Bran, which is rich in fiber, B vitamins, iron, zinc, copper and phytonutrients; Germ, which has vitamin E, B vitamins, antioxidants and essential fats; and Endosperm, which offers carbohydrates, proteins and small amounts of B vitamins. Together, whole grains deliver a complete nutrient package.   

In comparison, refined grains suffer a huge nutritional loss as they go through a process of refining. Grains are refined in order to achieve better flavor, texture, appearance, and shelf life. However, the refining process strips away the bran and germ parts and because of this, important nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants are also removed. 

But with the clamor for healthy foods to help kids eat healthier, whole grains are now getting the attention they truly deserve. As more and more studies confirm the health benefits of whole grains, parents are now convinced that these indeed do wonders in achieving better nutrition for their kids.

These health benefits include:

• Provide energy to support kids’ growth and activities – Whole grains are a rich source of energy needed by kids to fuel their activities throughout the day. Because whole grains contain complex carbohydrates and fiber, they are digested more slowly and help release energy in a steady manner so kids feel full longer.

• Promote healthy digestive functions – Whole grains contain fiber that helps cleanse the digestive tract. It helps prevent constipation, promote regular bowel movement and keeps the digestive tract in tiptop shape.

• Encourage healthy dietary habits – By incorporating whole grains into your kid’s diet at an early age, you establish good lifelong dietary habits in your child which lay the foundation for later health.

With all these health benefits, you definitely want your kid to have a whole grain-rich diet every day. You can start increasing his whole grain diet through breakfast cereals that are made with whole grains like Nestlé Koko Krunch, Koko Krunch Duo, Milo, Honey Stars, and Cookie Crisp, which provide all the healthy goodness of whole grains to boost children’s health.

Adults can also enjoy the wonderful benefits of whole grains with Nestlé Fitnesse and Fitnesse & Fruit, Fitnesse Honey & Almonds, Almond Clusters, and Banana Nut Clusters.