CAVE CHOW

The unstoppable land-based twin-sibling of the mighty tuna.  Whole Wheat is – (correction, SHOULD BE) – to America and the UK what potatoes were to Ireland during the great famine.  A staple.  A healthy lifeline that you can hang on to when you need those carbs.

Whole wheat is everywhere – but beware the watered down versions that constitute most of what are sold.  Most of the “wheat” breads, crackers, cereals, etc. are actually have 40% of the original wheat content removed and replaced with “enriched” white flour.  This might be acceptable, if the 40% they removed didn’t contain the germ, as well as the bran of the grain – basically, the parts where all the of the delicious nutrients are packed.  Thanks, large U.S. food companies for your excellent service here.  Bottom line – make sure you get 100% whole wheat product – read the packaging carefully so you are not deceived.

Let’s strip these little grains of goodness down:

NUTRITION – 5 stars

• Fantastic source of maganese, magnesium, and fiber – which helps to keep you regular among other things
• Betaine in whole wheat reduces chronic inflammation by as much as 20%
• Protects against all types of breast cancer (for women) and heart failure/diseases
• Protects children against asthma, especially when combined with fish (we obviously recommend tuna)
• Some people have inflammation issues when they absorb gluten protein contained in wheat – but that’s less than 1% of U.S. population

SIMPLICITY – 5 stars

• Look left, look right.  Wheat products are everywhere.  Look a little closer and you’ll find 100% whole wheat products
• Wheat is simple.  Unless you are a baker, buy 100% whole wheat breads, pastas, etc., and eat them

AFFORDABILITY – 3 stars

• Ah!  So difficult to get 5 stars across the board.  Figure $2-$3/lb., which is well above where we want to be
• Sadly, there is no getting away from whole wheat – and there are no better alternatives to get the same nutrients for a lower price

Many thanks to WHFoods.com for providing some of the information referenced above.  For those scholars among you who find our food overviews archaic at best, I highly suggest you browse your site.  If you can retain all that information, someone should provide an award.

So there you have it.

Cave Cook

Tagged: carbs, fiber, healthy, regular, wheat, whole