Whole Wheat Recipes:

Why Go Whole Wheat?

You may have heard over and over again that whole wheat recipes are healthier for you. Breads in the store that read "whole grain" or "healthy whole wheat" just sound healthier, don't they?

But why? It seems that few people actually know why whole wheat is healthier. It's an important piece of information that you should know, as it can greatly benefit you and your family.

More Nutrition

The main reason why whole wheat flour is healthier than white flour is simply because it contains more nutrition. When wheat is refined, the bran and the germ are removed from the kernel, leaving only the carbohydrate-rich endosperm. That's white flour.

Of course, people like white flour better because it makes breads and pastries incredibly light and fluffy! But it's basically just nutrition-less fluff. All of the protein and fiber are packed into the germ and bran, and since these get removed during the refining process, what you have left is nutritionally worthless.

The term itself, "whole wheat", makes sense, doesn't it? It's the whole wheat kernel; nothing has been removed. The entire package of the whole wheat kernel is healthy and wholesome, which is what makes it better for you.

The Health Benefits to Whole Wheat Recipes

Aside from being simply better for you, there are specific health benefits that whole wheat recipes can bring to your life. Consuming whole grains as a regular part of your diet can:

• protect you against cardiovascular disease
• lower your cholesterol
• protect you against diabetes
• lower bloodpressure
• lower chances for obesity

One thing that is important to mention is the factor of obesity. Frankly, carbs = fat. Since white flour contains only the endosperm, which is rich in carbohydrates, consuming large quantities of it will definitely add the pounds. Plus, have you ever noticed that white breads are never very filling? Because of this, you will tend to eat more to fill up. However, with whole grain breads, since they contain all the good nutrition, you can easily fill up with a small amount.

Be Careful What You Buy

Unfortunately, not all breads that are labeled "whole wheat" truly are. Terms such as "multi-grain", "stone ground", and "100% wheat" do not always mean wholegrain. There is a significant difference.

Also, bread that looks dark does not necessarily mean that it is healthy. Since whole grain breads are often characterized as being darker, it can be easy to get confused here. Often bread producers will add molasses to their white bread simply to make it look healthy. Don't fall for it! Get the real stuff!

You simply need to read the labels carefully to know for sure. And even if you get a loaf of bread that truly is made with whole wheat, remember that it is also packed with other un-healthy things, like additives and preservatives. The best, most fool-proof method of getting a truly healthy loaf of whole wheat bread is to make it yourself.

Don't get overwhelmed here....it's not hard. Making your own bread can be fun; it's something I greatly enjoy doing. Plus you get a delicious result. You'll find some of my favorite whole wheat recipes to the right.

Nutritious BUT Still Delicious!

When you think of terms like "whole grains" you may automatically think of dense, dry breads. Well, that doesn't have to be the case, especially if you make your own breads at home. You can create light, moist breads with whole wheat recipes! Nutritious does not have to be yucky.

Enjoy delicious whole wheat recipes.....it's better for you! And it's better tasting, too.

go from Whole Wheat Recipes to Home Page