Daily Health News Blog

Did you know that at least half of the grains in your diet should be whole grains? For many adults, this means three to five servings of whole grains daily. (For children, make that two to three servings daily.) And yet the average American eats less than one serving of whole grains a day. In fact, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans reports that: Most Americans eat enough total grains, but the majority are refined rather than whole. And refined-grain foods tend to have more solid fats and added sugars. Less than 5 percent of Americans get the recommended minimum of three servings a day of whole grains. A serving is 1 slice bread; 1/2 cup cooked rice, pasta or cereal; 1 tortilla (6-inch diameter); 1 pancake (5-inch diameter) or 1 cup cereal flakes. This month is Whole Grains Month and the theme is "Whole grains at every meal." If you follow this theme, you'll meet the minimum recommendations. The best way to increase whole-grain intake is by replacing refin