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The powerful health benefits of wheat include its ability to control obesity, boost energy, inhibit type 2 diabetes, improve metabolism, and prevent asthma and gallstones. It also boosts digestion.
What is Wheat?
Wheat is the most common cereal grain, which comes from a type of grass (Triticum). The whole grain kernel of wheat, composed of bran (outer layer), wheat germ, and endosperm (innermost part), is an immense energy source. Wheat originated in Southwestern Asia, but today it is one of the top cereal crops grown in several countries for human consumption. Commonly, wheat cultivation is done at higher latitudes. It is primarily used for baking products such as bread, bagels, cakes, and muffins.
Nutrition
Unrefined wheat contains complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and a moderate amount of proteins. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, sprouted wheat is rich in catalytic elements, mineral salts, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, chlorine, arsenic, silicon, manganese, zinc, iodine, copper, vitamin B, and vitamin E. It is abundant in antioxidants, especially in carotenoids such as beta-carotene.
Wheat germ, which is the heart of the kernel, is particularly rich in vitamin E. It is known to be the main source of the vitamin B complex in dietary structures throughout the world and includes vitamins like thiamin, folic acid, vitamin B6, and minerals like manganese, magnesium, and zinc. Wheat germ oil improves strength and increases lifespan.
Wheat bran, the outer layer of the kernel, is rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants called lignans, ferulic acid, phytic acid, alkylresorcinols, lutein, flavonoids, and saponins.
Health Benefits
Let us look at the most popular health benefits of wheat in detail:
Controls Obesity
Wheat, a whole grain, has a natural ability to control weight, but this ability is more pronounced among women. Women who consumed whole grain products over long periods showed considerably more weight loss than others. Also, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown through research that whole wheat, rather than its refined form, is a good choice for obese patients.
Increases Energy
Whole wheat with its vitamin B content helps provide the body with energy, according to a report by the Brain, Performance, and Nutrition Research Centre in Northumbria University, UK. Moreover, the whole grain contains complex carbohydrates, which keeps you feeling full longer and gives you energy over a longer period of time.
Prevents Metabolic Disorders
Whole grains like wheat are immensely effective in patients with metabolic disorders. Common types of metabolic syndromes include visceral obesity, also known as the “pear-shaped” body, high triglycerides, low levels of protective HDL cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Intake of whole grain products protects against these conditions. Also, research conducted by two dieticians, Janice Harland and Lynne Garton, published in The Nutrition Society showed that a higher intake of whole grains (about three servings per day) was associated with lower BMI and central adiposity.
Prevents Type 2 Diabetes
Wheat is rich in magnesium that acts as a co-factor for more than 300 enzymes. These enzymes are involved in the body’s functional use of insulin and glucose secretion. A cohort study published in PLOS Medicine found that the intake of whole grains like wheat is inversely associated with risk of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, this effect is stronger for bran than for germ.
Reduces Chronic Inflammation
The betaine content of wheat prevents chronic inflammation, a key constituent in rheumatic pains and diseases. Its anti-inflammatory property reduces the risk of other ailments like osteoporosis, heart diseases, cognitive decline, and type-2 diabetes.
Prevents Gallstones
Since whole wheat is rich in insoluble fiber, it assures a quick and smooth intestinal transit time and lowers the secretion of bile acids. Excessive bile acids are a major cause of gallstone formation. In various surveys by the American Journal of Gastroenterology, it has been proven that whole grain bread and cereals help prevent gallstones.
Improves Metabolism
The fiber in whole wheat products boosts the digestive process in the body and improve the overall metabolism. Doctors recommend eating whole grain bread and other fiber-rich foods. Research has shown that foods made from refined grains not only tend to increase weight but also increase the hazards of insulin resistance.
High in Fiber
When you maintain a fiber-rich diet comprising wheat bread and cereals that are high in bran, you can be confident that problems such as flatulence, nausea, constipation, and distension will be alleviated in no time. A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology says that fiber, like in wheat, helps keep the digestive system in order. The whole grain variety is the most popular and easily available bulk laxative.
Also, diverticulitis often occurs due to inflammation and lower intestinal aches. This can also lead to chronic constipation and unnecessary straining, which can result in a sac or a pouch in the wall of the colon. Such cases can be easily dealt with naturally by keeping up with a fiber-rich diet and including whole grains on a regular basis.
Promotes Women’s Health
Whole wheat increases energy levels and vitality in women. The long-term Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study showed that the increased consumption of whole grain boosted their energy levels and prevented weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and kept their BMI levels low. The study also showed that women who ate more whole grains were likely to have a healthier diet and a higher intake of fruits and vegetables. Stone-ground whole grain products contain folate and vitamin B, which helps reduce pregnancy and breastfeeding problems.
Prevents Childhood Asthma
The International Study on Allergy and Asthma in Childhood proved through numerous studies that a wheat-based diet has the capacity to lower chances of developing asthma by almost 50%. Also, bronchial hyperresponsiveness is the key factor that encourages asthma. This condition is characterized by the narrowing of the airways and increased sensitivity. In many surveys, it has been seen that children who eat whole grains and fish in high amounts do not suffer from such ailments, as these foods have a high amount of magnesium and vitamin E.
Note: However, in some cases, wheat consumption may be harmful to asthma patients, since it also happens to be a food allergen closely linked to asthma. Consult a doctor who can give you a complete examination and diagnosis of possible allergies you may have.
Relieves Postmenopausal Symptoms
Higher intake of unrefined wheat products can help increase the fiber and protein content in the diets in postmenopausal women. This helps in weight management, hormone balance, and relieves postmenopausal symptoms.
Liver Detox
Sprouted wheat berries are excellent sources of antioxidants and high fiber, which helps detoxify the liver. The liver is one of the largest internal organs in the body, and keeping the liver healthy helps remove toxins regularly from the body.
Prevents Heart Attacks
Whole wheat is rich in plant lignans called enterolactone, which protects against heart diseases. A Danish journal published a study that showed that women eating whole grains had considerably higher blood levels of this defensive lignan. Furthermore, whole grain products, which are high in dietary fiber, considerably reduce blood pressure levels and lessen the possibility of a heart attack. A high intake of this grain lowers triglycerides or fat in the blood. This slows down the progression of atherosclerosis and stroke.
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal also concluded that people who do not have gluten sensitivity should not avoid such products. Following a gluten-free diet, as a fad could lower the overall consumption of whole grains, which leads to an increased risk of heart disease.
Improves Gut Health
Wheat bran has a prebiotic effect on the human gut microbiota due to its high level of fiber. It helps feed the ‘good’ bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, which improves digestion and increase nutrient uptake in the body. Also, bulgur, a form of this grain, is a great source of resistant starch. It does not get digested in the small intestine, and thus becomes food for gut flora.
Skin Health
Selenium, vitamin E, and zinc in wheat help nourish the skin, fight acne, and prevent sun damage. Also, the high fiber content keeps the digestive system at its optimal best, which helps remove toxins regularly. This, in turn, helps keep the skin smooth and youthful.
Hair Care
Zinc in wheat helps promote healthy hair and protects the hair from damages caused by environmental factors.
Eye Health
Vitamin E, niacin, and zinc in whole wheat lower the risk of macular and cataract degeneration. Lutein in the unrefined grain helps improve eye health.
Anti-cancer Properties
Wheat acts as an anti-carcinogenic agent, particularly in women. Studies say that around 30 grams consumed daily are enough for women to reduce the risks of breast cancer. Reports prove that pre-menopausal women who consumed it had a 41% reduced risk of breast cancer in comparison to others who ate other forms of fiber. Furthermore, research at the UK Women’s Cohort Study found that a fiber-rich diet, with whole grains and fruits, is extremely important for women to keep breast cancer at bay.
Wheat bran considerably reduces bile acid secretion and bacterial enzymes in the stool, thereby cutting down chances of colon cancer. Furthermore, according to a study by Qu H, et al. wheat bran contains lignans, which are phytonutrients that may help prevent cancer cell growth. The lignans often occupy the hormone receptors in our body, thereby alleviating certain risk factors for cancer.
Mood Enhancer
Iron, folate, vitamins B and E, in wheat support serotonin production and increase energy levels. This helps prevent mental health issues, alleviate depression, enhance mood, and increase overall wellness.
Types of Wheat
The grain is commonly consumed in two forms:
- Whole wheat: If you buy 100% whole wheat products, you are assured of all the nutrients of the bran and the germ, as well as the endosperm.
- Processed wheat: Bleached white flour is obtained by processing after 60% extraction from the grain. Usually, the 40% that is removed – the outer brown layer – contains the highly nutritious bran and the germ of the wheat grain. In the process of making 60% abstraction flour, more than half of the vitamins B1, B2, B3, and E, calcium, phosphorus, folic acid, copper, zinc, iron, and fiber are lost.
The different kinds of processed flour include:
- • All-purpose flour
- • Bread flour
- • Cake flour
- • Self-rising flour
- • Durum flour
Uses
- • Bread, muffins, breakfast cereal like wheat flakes
- • Sprouted wheat berries: These can be used in vegetables and various kinds of grain salads.
- • Wheat germ: Add it to bread, pastries, cakes, or onto yogurt for an extra nutrient punch.
- • Pizza & pasta
- • Wraps & rotis
Side Effects
The side effects of excessive consumption include the following:
- • Allergic reactions such as hives, itching, skin rash, and eczema
- • Celiac disease & gluten sensitivity
- • Irritable bowel syndrome
- • It is rich in oxalates, which may cause health problems like gallstones, kidney stones, and gout.
- • It contains phytic acid (anti-nutrient) may lessen the absorption of minerals such as iron and zinc.
- • Diabetics should avoid processed products as they rank high on the glycemic index.
