They seem healthy-ish, right? Pasta is a staple in many households around the world. Most research pointing to the health benefits of grains comes from the fiber, healthy fats, and nutrients found within the germ and bran of the grain kernel. Save your food confusion for, well, the next aisle—when you’re debating reaching for brown or white rice. However, whole wheat exclusively refers to wheat kernels, while whole grain includes other grains, such as barley, corn, and rye. Keep it under two grams per slice.”. The key is making sure it’s listed first. Note that some products may be partially made with whole grain or whole wheat flours. Rye. This suggests that whole grains can aid weight management, likely due to the filling effects of fiber (1). CA Do Not Sell My Personal Information Sitemap redirect. Sprouted grain bread is made from whole grains that have begun to germinate. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. “It’s easy for added sugar to sneak into your bread.” she says. Grain and wheat products are known for their health-promoting properties, such as improved heart health, blood sugar control, and weight management (1). Without this label or stamp, the product might combine a whole grain and a refined grain, such as a bread made with both white flour and whole-wheat flour, Sass explains. This article discusses the difference between whole grain and whole wheat products, including their benefits and some shopping tips. Whole grain, whole wheat, multi-grain -- it’s confusing. It’s important to note that wheat bread isn’t the same as whole wheat bread. That said, Amer has some important label-reading advice to pay attention to when it comes to choosing truly the healthiest option. To ease the confusion, the following table provides a simple overview of the most common wheat and grain types: When shopping, be sure to read the label carefully. The main difference between the two is that whole wheat is reserved for products using the entire wheat kernel, while whole grain is an umbrella term for all types of grains in their whole form. Since wheat is a type of grain, it also falls under the definition of whole grain. Here, registered dietitian Chelsey Amer, RD, explains the difference and her verdict on which one is really healthiest. What’s more, many studies have linked a diet rich in whole grains to a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and premature death (4, 5, 6, 7, 8). However, people often wonder whether it's healthy or unhealthy. You’re standing in the bread aisle of your supermarket trying to select a healthy bread to buy. An Expert Derm Shares Tips for Managing Both, Natural Eating Isn’t Just for Humans—Here’s What You Should Feed Your Dog, According to a Vet Nutritionist, A Bottle of This Hair-Growth Solution Sells Every 36 Seconds—Here’s Why. The fiber content means that just like with whole grain foods, consuming whole wheat foods regularly as part of a healthy diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including diabetes. For example, some white flour and bread products have small amounts of whole wheat added to them to increase their nutrient content. Based on the Plant Paradox by Steven Gundry, eating whole grains is like taking a wrecking ball on your health. Whole grain bread is low GI as are whole wheat breads with added grains. Dozens of varieties of bread exist, some of which are more refined than others. All rights reserved. “The difference between ‘whole grain’ and ‘whole wheat’ is that whole grain can be from any grain—such as barley, oats, sorghum, buckwheat, or wheat—while whole wheat means it’s only made from wheat,” Amer says. Unlike whole grains, refined flours have had their germ and bran removed, which takes away many nutrients and fiber. By now, most healthy eaters know that classic white bread isn’t exactly the healthiest option on the grocery store shelf. Regardless of which label you reach for, you’re going to reap some major nutritional benefits. This article lists the top nine benefits of whole grains, as well as who might want to avoid them. When it comes to grain products, it’s important to eat mostly whole grain or whole wheat products, as they contain the most nutrients. For the most health benefits, choose products that are labeled “100% whole grain” or “100% whole wheat” and contain no refined grains in the ingredient list. Wheat bread simply implies that the flour comes from wheat, and it’s usually highly processed. Speaking of bread…why are people so freaked out about gluten? If you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, it's important to avoid the protein gluten.