6 Different Types of Grains to Eat
What are Grains?
Grains are the edible seeds of plants in the cereal family. There are many types of grains, but the most common ones are wheat, barley, oats, quinoa, rye, and rice. Grains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals and the largest source of food and nutrition in the world. If incorporated properly, they can be an essential and easy-to-cook part of a healthy diet.
Health Benefits of Grains
There are many health benefits of grains. Grains are a good source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion and bowel movements. Grains are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Some research suggests that grains may also have health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Many types of grain to eat are also a low-glycemic food, meaning they don’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This is beneficial for people with diabetes or prediabetes, and for anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight. Read on to learn more about the different types of grains and how you can use them to make healthy food swaps.
Common Types of Grains to Eat
There are many different types of grains, but some of the most common types of grains are wheat, barley, oats, quinoa, rye, and rice.
1. Wheat
Wheat is a cereal grain that is grown all over the world. Together with rice, it is a major source of food for humans and animals.
Health Benefits
Wheat is a good source of fiber, selenium, manganese, phosphorus, copper, and folate. Wheat is also a low-glycemic food, meaning it doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
Taste
Wheat has a sweet, slightly nutty taste. Enriched wheat flour has a less specific taste while whole wheat flour has a nutty and fibrous texture.
Commonly Ate With
Wheat is a versatile grain that can be used in many different dishes. It can be used to make flour for bread, pasta, pastries, and other baked goods. Wheat can also be used in making beer and whiskey.
2. Rice
Along with wheat, rice is the world’s staple crop. This grain is raised in rice paddies, primarily in Asia, and provides sustenance to over half the world’s population.
Health Benefits
Brown, unrefined rice is a type of grain that is high in fiber, lignans, ferulic acid, manganese, niacin, thiamin, selenium, and magnesium. White rice loses many of these benefits when it is processed.
Taste
The taste of rice is unique and varies depending on the type of rice. It can be slightly sweet, earthy, or nutty. Generally, brown rice and other, unenriched rice have a nuttier, earthier flavor, while unenriched rice is sweet, bland, and sticky.
Commonly Ate With
Rice is most commonly eaten as a side dish or in rice pudding, but it can also be used in baking or cooking. Rice pairs well with most proteins, including chicken, beef, fish, and tofu. Gobble’s Classic Plan incorporates rice into many of its recipes, so you can enjoy a tasty, home-cooked meal fast!
3. Barley
Although not as popular as it used to be, barley is still an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile grain.
Health Benefits
Barley is a type of grain that is high in fiber and antioxidants. It is a great source of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, iron, and magnesium.
Taste
The taste of barley is nutty, earthy, and slightly sweet. It has a chewy texture and is most often consumed together with its chewy husk.
Commonly Ate With
Barley is most commonly eaten as a cereal, but it can also be used in baking or cooking. Many people enjoy incorporating it into salads, soups, and side dishes. Barley is also used in brewing beer.
If you are looking for a tasty and healthy meal kit, consider Gobble’s Lean & Clean Plan. We incorporate whole grains into our meals to power you throughout your busy day.
4. Oats
Oats are a cereal grain that is typically grown in cooler climates. The oats are planted in the spring and harvested in the fall.
Health Benefits
Oats are a type of grain that is high in fiber, antioxidants, and protein. Oats are also a good source of manganese, phosphorus, copper, and iron.
Taste
Oats alone are known for having a bland taste and flaky texture. When combined with other ingredients, or used for baking, they can be an earthy and tasty treat!
Commonly Ate With
Oats are most commonly eaten as a cereal, but they can also be used in baking or cooking, such as in oatmeal cookies.
5. Quinoa
Native to the Andes Mountains in South America, this grain has recently become popular all over the world due to its health benefits and unique flavor.
Health Benefits
Quinoa is a type of grain that is high in fiber, antioxidants, and protein. It is also a good source of iron, copper, thiamin, and vitamin B6.
Taste
Quinoa has a special taste. It has a chewy and fluffy texture that reflects its high protein content. It is important, however, to cook it correctly to prevent a bitter taste.
Commonly Ate With
Quinoa is most commonly eaten as a side dish or salad, but it can also be used in baking or cooking.
6. Rye
Rye is a grass that is used extensively in specialty bread, whisky, and some vodkas.
Health Benefits
Rye is a type of grain that is high in fiber, as well as thiamin, niacin, Vitamin B6, riboflavin, and folate.
Taste
Rye is commonly associated with bitter Caraway seeds added by many bakeries, but it actually has an earthy and spicy flavor.
Commonly Ate With
Rye is most commonly eaten as bread, but it can also be used in baking or cooking. It is a popular bread for sandwiches. It also forms the basis of many spirits, such as whisky and a few vodkas.
Learn To Cook With All Of The Grain Varieties
All of these grain varieties are excellent choices for cooking healthy, nutritious meals. If you are looking to incorporate healthy grains in your diet, consider Gobble. Gobble prepares fresh, specially chosen ingredients for you in meal kits that take 15 minutes or less to prepare. Learn how it works and gets the healthy grains you need!
