The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming at least 3 servings of whole grains per day. However, many Americans don't get the recommended daily amount of nutritious whole grains.

Nutrients and Health Benefits

Grains are important sources of many nutrients, including dietary fiber, several B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate), and minerals (iron, magnesium, and selenium).

• Fiber: Fiber is important for proper bowel function, and helps support a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
• B vitamins: B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate) play a key role in metabolism – they help the body release energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates. B vitamins help support a healthy nervous system.
• Folate: Folate (folic acid), another B vitamin, helps the body form red blood cells.
• Iron: Iron is used to carry oxygen in the blood. Iron fortified or enriched grain products are important sources of iron in the diets of many Americans.
• Magnesium and Selenium: Whole grains can help supply magnesium and selenium in the diet. Magnesium is a mineral used in building bones and releasing energy from muscles. Selenium helps protects cells from oxidation and helps support a healthy immune system