Absolutely! Whole grains can be delicious and have their own unique flavours. While they may have a different taste compared to refined grains, many people find the natural, nutty, and earthy flavours of whole grains quite enjoyable. Taste is a matter of habit, so give your taste buds time to adjust. Not all whole grain and whole grain products containing whole grains are the same, so try to explore different types of grains and products such as wholemeal bread and pasta.
Research shows that whole grains have many health benefits compared to refined grains due to their higher fibre content, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Dietary fibre, in particular, has many well-documented health effects. For example, dietary fibre can help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down glucose absorption; it can help lower LDL cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease; it can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and contribute to the growth of healthy gut microbiota.
Sources
- EU Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Knowledge Gateway. ‘Whole Grains’. Accessed 26 May 2023. https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/health-promotion-knowledge-gateway/whole-grain_en#effectsonhealth.
