Refined grains

Refined Grains

Refined grains (/rɪˈfaɪnd greɪnz/), also known as processed grains, are grains that have been milled, a process that removes the bran and germ. This is done to give grains a finer texture and improve their shelf life, but it also removes dietary fiber, iron, and many B vitamins.

Etymology

The term "refined" comes from the Latin word "refinare", meaning "to purify", and "grain" comes from the Old English "græn", meaning "seed" or "kernel".

Types of Refined Grains

Some common types of refined grains include:

• White rice
• White flour
• White bread
• Pasta
• Cereal

Health Implications

While refined grains are often enriched — that is, some of the nutrients lost during processing are added back — they may not have exactly the same composition as whole grains. As a result, diets high in refined grains can lead to a lack of certain nutrients and are associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Related Terms

• Whole grains
• Enriched grains
• Fortified grains
• Dietary fiber
• B vitamins

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Refined grains
• Wikipedia's article - Refined grains

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