What exactly are whole grains? Simply put, they are small, edible seeds that come from grasses such as wheat and barley. As long as all of the grain components are present, from the outer shell to the “germ” deep inside, whole grains can be ground, cracked, or flaked, and still retain their benefits.

Grains are made up of three main components: the bran, the endosperm, and the germ.

• Bran, or outer shell, protects the seed and provides fiber, B vitamins, and some trace minerals.
• Endosperm is most of the inner body of the seed . It is rich in protein and carbohydrates—basically a concentrated energy source.
• Germ makes up the remaining part of the seed; it contains vitamin E (a potent antioxidant) as well as other antioxidants and B vitamins.

All of the grain’s nutrients, phytochemicals (health-protective components of plant foods), vitamins, and minerals work together to help you stay healthy. Unfortunately, some food makers and restaurants rely mainly on refined grains, in which the seed is stripped of its bran and germ (and the bulk of its nutrients), leaving only the endosperm’s carbohydrates and protein. In some instances, food makers will attempt to enrich these refined grains by adding back some of the vitamins and minerals that were lost during processing.

When we make foods at Kashi, we always strive to preserve the nutrients that occur naturally in our ingredients. The 7 whole grains in our blend are minimally processed, which means every part of the grain—along with its nutrients—are included, so you get a great nutritional bang in every bite.

Learn more about the natural nutrition of whole grains and then find tasty ways to eat more whole grains.