Introduction to Wheat

Since the beginning of time, man has relied on grains as his major source of food.  Many thriving cultures base their entire existence upon grain production and they believe that man can live on bread and water alone.  More than half of the available land for cultivating crops are devoted to the growing of grain.  In Roman times, the soldiers were rationed 2 pounds of grain each day.  In all the civilizations, grains have played the primary role in people’s diets.  Only in Western societies of meat and potatoes, have grains taken a second place. 

The recommendations from nutritional researchers encourage us to increase the amount of grains and vegetables in our diets.  We are discovering that people who consume a plant-rich diet suffer from fewer chronic diseases. Nutritionists tell us these high-fiber foods provide significant amounts of protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber----just what we need to help our bodies stave off digestive tract disorders, heart  disease and cancer.

According to the new USDA food pyramid, whole grains are the most important food and should be the foundation of a healthy diet.  I never feel, though, that grains should upstage vegetables.  But, God knew that grains would be available year round.  It is suggested that we eat from 6-10, 1/2 cup servings of grains a day.

What are some other reasons to emphasize grains in our diet?

• They are low in fat.

• They contain no cholesterol.

• They are easy to cook.

• They are easy to store.

• They are inexpensive to prepare.

• They are filling and keep us satisfied so we will more easily avoid junk food.

• They can spark our creativity in creating a variety of delicious foods.

Someone has described us as a generation of “clueless cooks” raised on processed and fast foods.  Doctors refer to the “twenty years” of abuse, meaning that man can abuse his natural good health for that period of time before the effects begin to catch up with him.  Paradoxically, the Western nations have the most advanced medical science in the world and the most diseases.  But, the trend is beginning to change, especially here in Colorado, which is rated number 1 in nutrition consciousness in the US.

Learn about more grains:  Millet    Quinoa   Spelt    Kamut    A Final Word