Here are some fun facts about whole grains!
o Cheerios and Special K served daily in all dining halls
o Brown rice served daily in select dining halls
o Whole wheat tortillas always available in O-House
o Whole wheat sandwich bread available everywhere
o Whole wheat burger buns always available everywhere
o Whole grain granola always available in all dining halls
o Whole Wheat pasta served daily in O-House
Whole grains are complex carbohydrates that are made up of three parts:
1. The bran is the fiber-rich outer layer that supplies B-vitamins, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.
2. The germ is the nutrient-rich core containing healthy fats, B-vitamins, vitamin E, phytochemicals, and antioxidants.
3. The endosperm is the interior, starchy part of the grain containing some vitamins and minerals.
Bran and fiber slow the breakdown of starch into glucose—thus maintaining a steady blood sugar rather than causing sharp spikes.
– Fiber helps lower cholesterol as well as move waste through the digestive tract. 
– Fiber may also help prevent the formation of small blood clots that can trigger heart attacks or strokes.
– Phytochemicals and essential minerals such as magnesium, selenium and copper found in whole grains may protect against some cancers.
• All three parts of the whole grain help contribute to our health and can even decrease our risk of cancer
• Whole grains are things like whole wheat, whole oats, quinoa, popcorn, brown rice, etc.
• Refined grains include things like white bread, white rice, and white pasta.
1. Refined grains are different than whole grains because they go through the process of milling which strips away the nutrient-dense bran and germ leaving only the starchy, easily digestible endosperm.
• The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming 2-4 servings of whole grains per day and adjusting as needed based on your individual caloric requirements.