What Are Whole Grains? - Types, Sources & Examples

Whole Grain Bread

Parts of a Whole Grain

As previously mentioned, whole grains are those which have not been processed or refined to remove any parts of the grain. Whole wheat, for example, is exactly what its name states: it is the whole kernel of wheat. Let's take a closer look to see what this means.

A wheat kernel is composed of several main parts. The outer layer is called the bran layer. Have you ever eaten bran flakes in an attempt to increase your fiber intake? This is a smart choice, because that outer bran layer is rich in fiber. The large middle component of the grain is called the endosperm. This is the carbohydrate portion of the kernel, for you carb lovers.

Finally, there is a small inner nugget that is known as the germ. Maybe you have seen people sprinkling wheat germ over their cereal or into their pancake mix. It is within the wheat germ that rich nutrients are found. So wheat germ fanatics are actually making a very healthy choice!

And there you have it -- the anatomy of a whole grain. Now let's talk about what happens when grains are processed. Remember the fiber-rich bran and nutrient-packed germ in that grain? Simply take away those parts and you've got white flour! It is similar to when you pick out the vegetables from your salad and only eat the croutons. Removing the parts of the grain that are considered less palatable make the final product more tasty to some, but much less nutritious.

Types of Whole Grains

We live in a culture today that has a strong focus on healthy foods such as whole grains. Many cereal boxes today practically scream Whole Grain. And we're not just talking about our old favorite, whole wheat. Take oats, for example. This breakfast staple rarely has its bran and germ removed during processing, making it a consistently healthy choice. So keep eating your oatmeal, because the type of fiber in oats is known to lower cholesterol.

Corn is another example of a mainstay whole grain, as long as the label doesn't say ''degerminated.''So yes, keep munching on popcorn if you are looking for a whole grain snack.

Barley is another hearty old soul. A highly adaptable crop, it is a favorite in soups and has been around for decades.

Barley Grains

Rye is a favorite among sandwich lovers and especially those partial to pumpernickel. A tasty grain that can grow in a wide variety of climates, rye tends to make one feel full more quickly, making it a good choice for those trying to lose weight. And where would the Reuben sandwich be without rye?

Do you think of rice as a grain? Because it is just that. As you probably guessed, white rice has the bran and germ removed, whereas other colors such as brown, black and even purple rice come with the whole grain intact.

Less Common Varieties of Whole Grains

Now let's talk about some whole grains that may be slightly less common. Ever eaten triticale? Sounds more like a dinosaur species than food, you might say. Well, this one is a hybrid between rye and wheat. What about millet? Wait, are we talking about birdseed? Yes, it's a common grain for birds and therefore squirrels, but it has great nutritional value and is earning bragging rights to becoming one of the newer whole grain choices.

Rye and Triticale

How about spelt? A variety of wheat, this one has more protein than common wheat, making it a little healthier. And, getting back to wheat, this brings up bulgur. Perhaps not the most inviting of names since it rhymes with vulgar, bulgur is made when wheat kernels are boiled, dried and then cracked. This makes them fast-cooking and highly nutritious as well.

And now for the most popular whole grain du jour, the trendy favorite, the one-and only quinoa. Technically not even a true grain, quinoa has become highly popular for its protein content as well as its abundant nutritional qualities.

Lesson Summary

Whole grains are those which have not been refined and contain all parts, including the bran, germ and endosperm. Whole grains have more health benefits than refined grains because of the high fiber content in the bran and nutritional content in the germ. Examples of whole grains include mainstays such as whole wheat, oats, corn and rice. There are many other types that have gained popularity including triticale, spelt and quinoa.