Staying Healthy in the Fast Lane

staying healthy in the fast lane

Anatomy of a Whole Grain Kernel

Bran: Protective outer layer rich in insoluble fiber, B

vitamins, trace minerals, and phytonutrients. About

14% of the kernel by weight. Removed with refining.

Endosperm: Sometimes called the kernel, is

primarily an energy source providing carbohydrates

and protein. It contains smaller amounts of B

vitamins, iron and soluble fiber. About 83% of the

kernel by weight. This portion of the kernel remains

in refined grain products.

Germ: Is the nutrient-rich embryo of the seed. It is a concentrated source
of nutrients including B vitamins, vitamin E, fatty acids, antioxidants and
phytonutrients. Less than 3% of the kernel by weight. It is removed in
refined grains.

Source of kernel image: Montana Wheat and Barley Committee. Montana’s Official State website.
http://wbc.agr.mt.gov/Consumers/diagram_kernel.html (accessed Feb. 26, 2011).

Americans have been consuming more grain products in the
last thirty to forty years, but only fifteen percent are whole grains
while eighty-five percent
are refined grains. This is
a prescription for excess
calories, weight gain, and
chronic disease since many
of these refined grain prod-
ucts come with extra sweet-
fat calories.^ This consump-
tion of refined grains also
gives all carbohydrates a
bad name, which is a disser-
vice to the public’s health.^23

Source: ERS analysis of 1999-2000 National Health and

Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) Data.