Multigrain Bread: A Loaf of Health

In today’s urban world people face many problems, one of which is the massive health degradation due to multiple reasons such as stress, faulty lifestyle and improper eating habits. Now-a-days number of children suffering from allergies is high. To curb it down Multigrain foods or breads can be an important part of a healthy diet and an excellent way to eat more whole grains. Understanding the name is simple “multigrain” indicates it should contain different types of grains. These grains may include oats, cornmeal, barley, wheat, millet, sunflower seed, soya grits, flax or others. The healthiest multigrain bread is still made from a mixture of wholemeal, white or rye flour and may contain wheatgerm, honey, gluten, non-fat milk solids, cracked and whole grains of wheat and other cereals such as rye, oats, corn, barley, rice millet and triticale. Adding sunflower seeds, raw flax seeds, gives the bread texture and health benefits to cardiovascular diseases as it is a good source of omega 3. The combination of grain makes it an excellent choice for weight watchers, diabetics, health aspirants, as it contains antioxidants and is a diabetic functional food due to its soluble fibre it also offer higher concentrations of minerals and vitamins due to the inclusion of the bran and germ of the wheat. Health Benefits Multigrain breads are high in complex carbohydrates and protein. Complex carbohydrates are great for energy production, and this can help with exercise and losing weight. They break down slower so they can provide energy over a longer period of time. Multigrains that contain whole grains are filled with essential fatty acids, B-vitamins, starch and fiber. The levels of protein from soy grits flour aid the body in tissue repair and production of antibodies that helps to fight sickness or infection. In addition, they contain minerals copper, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, and potassium; the B vitamin, riboflavin; and omega-3 fatty acids (in the form of alpha-linolenic acid). Magnesium will help build strong bones and teeth. It will also help with metabolism. Fiber is great in helping the body stay regular and maintaining a healthy colon. They are loaded with dietary fiber and have a range of healthy cholesterol-lowering properties. Oats are rich in a specific type of fiber called beta-glucan which help to lower the levels of bad cholesterol. It also contains manganese, selenium, phosphorus, fiber, magnesium, and zinc. Oats are also rich in carotenoids, tocols (Vitamin E), flavonoids and avenanthramides - a class of polyphenols. Barley consumption has been shown effective in preventing arteriosclerosis, which leads to coronary disease. Barley in the form of flour, malt and pearl, are highly recommended in cases of: Indigestion (Gastritis dyspepsia), Gastroduodenal ulcer, Colitis, Gastroenteritis. Multigrain bread is incorporated with sunflower seeds which contain two main nutrients that promote cardiovascular health — vitamin E and folate. It also contains Selenium: a powerful antioxidant and great for thyroid health. Vitamin E imparts healthier skin, hair and nails, amongst its other incredible nutrition facts, flax seeds are also packed with antioxidants. Lignans are unique fiber-related polyphenols that provide us with antioxidant benefits for anti-aging, hormone balance and cellular health. Flax seed benefits have been proven time and time again and even including fighting breast, prostate, ovarian and colon cancer. Omega-3 essential fatty acids, "good" fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Adding Multigrains to Diet

Nutition	Per Slice
Fat	1.10g
Carbohydrate	10.8g
Protein	4.40g

One slice of multi-grain bread is low in fat. A fat intake of 20 to 35 percent of your daily calories can help you avoid weight gain. Most of the calories in a slice of bread come from carbohydrates mostly complex. As common bread toppings include butter, lunch meats, cheese and seafood salads, your protein consumption may be higher. You require 46 to 56 g of protein per day for optimal health. Now that we see some of the benefits, it is now time to see how we can fit in these healthy foods to our diet. Multigrains can be added to any meal throughout the day. Taste and nutrition must go hand in hand if one is to lead a healthy lifestyle. Multigrain foods have many of the essentials the body needs for daily energy and the building of a strong, healthy body. To complete a healthy diet plan one should consider the nutrition of multigrain. A switch to multigrain products may be your healthiest decision. -WTN