I’m always amazed at the intelligence of Mother Nature, especially when it comes to packaging. The example I think of most often is an apple — sweet, crunchy, and a good source of fiber and vitamin C. With the apple, Mother Nature created the perfect portable snack. As much as we may try, I’m not sure anyone will ever be able to beat her when it comes to creating packaged foods. The same can be said for grains — they’re neatly packaged combinations of vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and other phytonutrients we’re just beginning to understand. Whole grains exist in a wide range of tastes and textures for us to enjoy.

For a variety of reasons, whole grains have fallen out of favor through the years, and are often replaced by more processed, refined grains. This is unfortunate because refined grains contain only the endosperm and lack some of Mother Nature’s best work!

When the founders of Kashi started working on their first food product, they spent a lot of time looking at the various attributes of different grains. Their understanding that the benefits of brown rice are different from the benefits of barley or triticale were what led them to create Kashi’s proprietary seven whole grain blend.

I remember being impressed by this blend even before I joined the Kashi Company. As a licensed Naturopathic Physician, I knew about the unique benefits of different grains. By combining them together you can create a synergistic effect. For example, you can create a better-rounded vegetarian protein source by combining a variety of grains with unique amino acid profiles. Whole grains also have a host of health benefits including contributing to heart health, helping regulate blood sugar levels, and more.

Whole grains are a staple of the world’s diet and for this reason it should come as no surprise that there’s a lot of research out there supporting their health benefits. From balancing blood sugar to lowering cholesterol and maintaining a healthy weight, whole grains have been shown to play an important supporting role in any healthy diet plan.

Last but certainly not least, the fantastic taste of whole grains deserves some attention. The sweet smell of brown rice when you first lift the top of the pot and the nutty aroma of quinoa browning on the stove are so different and yet so fantastic! Just like the diversity in tastes when it comes to apples, grains have just as many tastes to savor and explore as well, proving that once again, Mother Nature has triumphed. Whether due to where they originate on the globe or time of year in which they grow, each grain is created with its own unique flavor profile and can be combined with other ingredients to create a really amazing meal.