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By Sarah Hunt, AZFB Communications Intern

Photo: Arizona Farm Bureau

I am sure you already know whole grains are good for you. But do you know what they do for you? Eating whole grain products such as quinoa, brown rice, or whole grain bread is “linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and gastrointestinal cancers.”

In addition to these benefits, Verywell Health claims that “consuming whole grains can lead to some positive cardiovascular health outcomes, but not necessarily a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.”

“From the data, researchers concluded that for adults with and without cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, consuming certain whole grain as opposed to refined grain may improve:

• Total cholesterol
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
• Hemoglobin A1c (an indicator of blood glucose control)
• C-reactive protein (a biomarker for inflammation)

Additionally, consuming whole grain rice (like brown rice) decreased triglycerides. Having elevated triglycerides can increase your risk of developing heart disease.

Although these are all positive outcomes, it does not appear that consumption of whole grains can be recommended as a direct way to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, according to these results.” Read the full article here.

Fun facts about Arizona wheat:

• The phrase “Desert Durum®” has been trademarked with the U.S. Patent Office under the ownership of the Arizona Grain Research and Promotion Council and the California Wheat Commission.
• Desert Durum® is highly regarded for its protein strength allowing a variety of different pasta shapes!
• Desert Durum® averages an annual export rate of 50%, especially exported to Italy to make pasta.
• Desert Durum® wheat is planted November through February and harvested in May and June.
• The special wheat is produced under irrigation in the desert valleys and lowlands of Arizona and California.

Want to learn more about Arizona wheat? Read this article by our Arizona Farm Bureau Outreach Director, Julie Murphree, and this article about some of our wonderful ancient grain farmers.

You can buy wheat from BKW Farms and whole grain bread from the Blue Sky Organic Farms Farm Store, who sells Noble Bread brand bread.