Understanding the Health Benefits Of The Grains Group
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Grains are food that give your child energy and can be a great source of vitamin B and fiber, depending on the kind of grains that you purchase.
The USDA My Plate tells us to make half our grains whole grains.
Whole grains are a natural source of fiber and vitamins.
100% whole grain foods are naturally high in (or have been enriched):
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dietary fiber
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thiamine
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riboflavin
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niacin
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folate
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iron
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magnesium
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selenium
Providing 100% whole grains as part of your family's diet can help:
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reduce their risk for heart disease
![grains group foods](/system/assets/general/images/foods/learning-grains-groups-foods.png)
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reduce the risk for diabetes
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improve overall digestion and reduce constipation
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provide a feeling of fullness that helps prevent overeating
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lower cholesterol in your blood stream
Some of the following nutrients aide the body in various important functions:
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vitamin Bs help the body produce energy and is important for the nervous system
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folate is also helps make red blood cells
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iron helps carry the oxygen throughout the body
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magnesium and selenium help builld bones and is important for a healthy immune system to fight disease
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selenium is important for a healthy immune system to fight disease
![health benefits of the grains group](/system/assets/general/images/my plate/my-plate-healthy-family-message-grains-group.png)
Healthy Eating
Healthy Child
Written by Maggie LaBarbera
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Written on Mar 12, 2012
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Last updated on Oct 15, 2013
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