Today is Whole Grain Sampling Day!

Whole Grain Sampling Day is an annual event that takes place on the last Wednesday of March, aimed at promoting awareness and education about the importance of incorporating whole grains into our diets. This day provides an opportunity for consumers to try new whole grain foods, learn more about the benefits of whole grains, and gain access to helpful resources and information.

The history of Whole Grain Sampling Day dates back to 2012 when the Whole Grains Council (WGC), a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing consumption of whole grains, created the event as a way to encourage people to try new whole grain foods. Since then, Whole Grain Sampling Day has grown into a global movement, with more than 900 events taking place in over 30 countries in 2021.

Whole grains are an essential part of a healthy diet, as they provide numerous health benefits. Whole grains are grains that have not been processed, meaning they contain all parts of the grain, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. This is in contrast to refined grains, which have been processed to remove the bran and germ, leaving only the endosperm.

Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. They have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. In addition, consuming whole grains has been shown to help with weight management and reduce inflammation in the body.

Despite these health benefits, many people are not consuming enough whole grains. According to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, only 8% of Americans are meeting the recommended daily intake of whole grains.

Whole Grain Sampling Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of whole grains and encourage people to try new whole grain foods. Many events are held on this day, including cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and educational seminars. In addition, the WGC provides resources and information on their website, including a list of whole grain foods and recipes, to help consumers incorporate more whole grains into their diets.

Some simple ways to incorporate more whole grains into your diet include choosing whole grain bread, pasta, and rice, and adding whole grain flour or oats to baked goods. You can also experiment with different types of whole grains, such as quinoa, barley, and farro, and try new whole grain recipes.

In conclusion, Whole Grain Sampling Day is an important event that provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the health benefits of whole grains and encourage people to incorporate more whole grains into their diets. By making small changes to our diets and choosing whole grain foods, we can improve our overall health and reduce our risk of chronic diseases.

Sources:

• Whole Grains Council. (2021). Whole Grain Sampling Day. Retrieved from https://wholegrainscouncil.org/get-involved/whole-grain-sampling-day
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2019). The Nutrition Source: Whole Grains. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/whole-grains/
• Kim, S. Y., Nayga Jr, R. M., Capps Jr, O., & Park, J. (2019). The prevalence and determinants of whole grain consumption among US adults: results from a nationally representative study. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 119(9), 1508-1521.