Sep 18 2008
Exciting Bread Month
National Whole Grains Month is Exciting Bread Month.
There are so many “national month” observances, it is impossible to keep track of them all. I don’t know exactly what it takes to designate a month for a special observance, but it seems that just about all aspects of our lives are “recognized” with a special month.
So…not only is September the National Grandparents Month, it is also National Whole Grains Month.
I don’t know who is in charge of the “national month” directory, if such a thing exists, but I do believe that the GOVERNMENT must be involved somehow. After all, how can ANYTHING be “national” without the government’s sanction, or blessing, or whatever, to make it official.
There is no apparent special interest or selfishness about National Whole Grains Month. This observance simply recognizes the importance of eating healthier breads, pancakes, pastas and pizzas.
I happen to agree that whole grains are healthier for us than than ”white paste,” which is how whole grain advocates describe white bread. Evidently, white bread proponents do not rate a national white bread month.
Whole grains contain all three parts of the kernal - bran, germ and endosperm. White, or refined grain, contains only the endosperm portion. The bran and germ constitute the “covering” of the grain, and contains the fiber, plus many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. (healthy parts). Whole grain doesn’t just mean wheat, of course, it includes brown rice, oatmeal, and popcorn. Plus…buckwheat, quinoa and spelt! Yes, there are all kinds of healthy grains to feast upon! Some are pretty difficult to find, but health food stores generally have bigger selections than your big grocery chain stores.
The American Heart Association strongly recommends whole grains as a dietary measure to control weight (fiber). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends three to five portions a day, and defines a portion as a single slice of bread or one cup of cereal.
So, although I make light of the “National Month,” for whole grains, it is important to integrate whole grains into our diets, if for no other reason than to increase FIBER! We all know that fiber makes for an “easier” and happy day all around.
