What is a Wholegrain?

A grain is made up of three parts. Wholegrain foods contain all three layers of the grain – the outer bran layer, the inner germ and the endosperm.

The endosperm acts as the main energy source for the plant. It contains:

• carbohydrates
• protein
• Small amounts of B vitamins

The bran contains the fibrous layer that protects the seed. It has:

• B vitamins
• minerals
• protein
• phytonutrients

The germ is the smallest part of the grain, but its known as the ‘nutrient storehouse’ because this is where the new plant growth begins. It contains:

• good fats
• minerals
• B vitamins
• vitamin E
• phytonutrients & antioxidants

Some wholegrains include wheat, rice, corn, oats, rye, barley, triticale, sorghum and millet.