Nestle UK makes whole grain switch
Whole grain offers many known health benefits, including helping to maintain a healthy heart and a healthier body weight.
"There is growing interest in the foods we eat and how they can contribute to a healthier diet," says Dr Clare Chapman, Nestle nutritionist. "In the UK nearly half the population chooses cereal for breakfast, with 30 million bowls being consumed every day. Those people who choose Nestle breakfast cereals will now benefit from the inclusion of whole grain in their diets."
"There is a growing body of evidence that a diet rich in whole grain can help maintain a healthy heart, yet few people in the UK choose whole grains foods on a regular basis," Dr Susan Jebb, Head of Nutrition and Health, MRC Human Nutrition Research says.
"The addition of whole grain to Nestlle breakfast cereals will provide consumers with 2.6 billion servings of whole grain every year," said Dr. Chapman.
Research shows over 90 per cent of the UK population are falling short of eating the recommended three servings of whole grain per day, and over 25 per cent are failing to consume any whole grain at all. An increase in the consumption of whole grain has important public health implications.
Whole grains contain all three parts of the grain: the bran, the endosperm and the germ. As well as being a source of fibre, whole grain contains its own nutritional treasures including antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that work together as a whole package to provide the health benefits. When grains are refined most of the nutritional value disappears. By retaining all three parts of the whole grain, you get a unique and powerful ’package’ of goodness.
"Nestle UK’s initiative should make it easier for people to include whole grain in their diets. All they need to do is look for the green whole grain banner and keep on eating the Nestle cereals that are already on their breakfast tables," continues Dr Chapman.