A healthy diet starts at the base of the food pyramid with plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. These foods have a good source of fiber and are often low in fat and cholesterol. Oats has one of the highest concentrations of protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, thiamin, folacin and vitamin E; more than other unfortified whole grains.
The water-insoluble fibers found in wheat bran help prevent constipation and diverticular disease and have been associated with a decreased risk for bowel cancer. The water-soluble fibers in oat bran and barley have been shown to lower blood cholesterol and blood glucose levels, which helps in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. |
