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Nutrients found in wholegrains

Nutrients found in wholegrains

Thiamin - a B-vitamin involved in the release of energy from food and vital for a healthy nervous system.  The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) found that cereals and cereal products were the main source of thiamin in the diet of UK adults, accounting for 34% of total thiamin intake.

Riboflavin - a B-vitamin involved in the release of energy from food. The NDNS found that 24% of the riboflavin in the diet of UK adults came from cereals and cereal products.

Niacin - a B-vitamin involved in the release of energy from food and vital for a healthy nervous system. The NDNS found that 24% of the niaicin in the diet of UK adults came from cereals and cereal products.

Vitamin E - a powerful antioxidant, which protect fats from damage by free radicals. The NDNS found that 17% of the riboflavin in the diet of UK adults came from cereals and cereal products.

Potassium - a mineral involved in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance. Essential for the transmission of nerve impulses. The NDNS found that 13% of the potassium in the diet of UK adults came from cereals and cereal products.

Iron - a mineral needed for the manufacture of haemoglobin, the red pigment in blood, which carries oxygen around the body.

Magnesium - a mineral needed for healthy bones, the release of energy from food and nerve and muscle function. The NDNS found cereals and cereal products were the main source of magnesium in diet of UK adults providing 27% of the total intake.

Zinc - a mineral essential for growth, reproduction and immunity. The NDNS found that 25% of the zinc in the diet of UK adults came from cereals and cereal products.

Selenium - selenium is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, the antioxidant properties of which help protect cells from damage by free radicals

Trace elements - the minerals copper, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and iodine are referred to as trace elements. Although they are essential for good health, they are only required in minute amounts.

Carbohydrate - Wholegrain cereals are a great source of carbohydrate - the most important source of energy in the diet. Our bodies digest and metabolise all carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar) which is vital for the functioning of our brain, nervous system, muscles and other parts of the body.

Protein - Protein performs vital structural functions in the body. It is found in muscle, bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin and hair. The body needs protein for growth and development and is constantly involved in rebuilding, repairing and maintaining vital tissues. Proteins are also involved in the normal functioning of the body. For example insulin, the hormone needed to control blood sugar, is a protein.

Fat  - Fat is an essential nutrient and an important source of energy. However many people consume excessive amounts of it and, though it must not be excluded from the diet, intakes should be controlled. Fats are only a minor component of cereals and tend to be concentrated in the germ (the part of the grain containing the new plant), with most of the fats from wholegrains being polyunsaturated fats**.

Fibre - fibre is 'nature's broom' - which speeds the passage of waste material through the digestive system, giving potentially harmful substances less time to linger in the bowel.

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