(23-04-13) The dangerous truth about grains

by Marie Saffy

(NaturalNews) While it is becoming universally understood that white flour
lacks essential nutrients that the human body needs and even promotes disease,
the public does not have an adequate understanding of whole grains. We are led
to believe that whole grains are a perfectly healthy alternative to refined
grains when, in fact, they also present a whole host of dangers to our health.

The modern production of grains
When grains were first introduced to the human diet, they were not prepared
and consumed as they are today. Pre-industrialized societies fermented grains
so that they were more easily digested and their vitamins and minerals could be
better absorbed. Today, grains are sprayed with pesticides while they are
growing and then are milled at high temperatures, which causes their fatty
acids to spoil and become rancid. The milled flour becomes even more rancid
when it's stored for long periods of time. Preservatives, stabilizers and
additives are added to flour and it becomes much less beneficial and even
harmful to our health.

The preparation of grains is so critical because their antinutrients can cause
health problems if they aren't properly treated through fermentation or
soaking. One of these antinutrients is phytic acid, which combines with
magnesium, iron, copper, calcium and zinc in the intestinal tract when it's
left untreated. This prevents the body from being able to absorb these
nutrients. Therefore, consuming large amounts of our modernly prepared whole
grains can cause the body to become mineral deficient.

Enzyme inhibitors are another antinutrient that can irritate the pancreas and
digestive system because they don't allow the body to properly break down
sugars and gluten. This causes allergies and other digestive and autoimmune
disorders, such as celiac disease, Chron's disease and irritable bowel
syndrome.

The grain-less school of thought
Some health professionals believe that all grains, including whole grains, are
not well tolerated by the human body and should be avoided completely. This has
caused the emergence of the paleolithic diet, which resembles the diet of
cavemen based on wild plants and animals. Before the development of
agriculture, our ancestors did not have access to grains and some believe that
the human body has not genetically adapted to a grain-based diet and that those
who follow a "paleo diet" are less likely to contract diseases. While there are
countless versions of the paleo diet, it commonly consists of fish, grass-fed
pasture raised meat, eggs, roots, nuts, fruits and vegetables and cuts out
grains, dairy and refined sugars.

Be smart about grain consumption
If you continue to consume grains, there are several things you can do to
ensure that they will be better digested and more nutritious. If possible, buy
organic whole grains and grind them yourself with a home grinder. If you're
short on time, look for organic stone ground, sour dough or sprouted whole
grain products at the store. Also, grains are better digested when they are
eaten with fat soluble vitamins A and D. Enjoy your grains with butter, cream
or whole cheese to improve nutrient absorption.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.westonaprice.org/food-features/be-kind-to-your-grains
http://www.aces.edu/dept/extcomm/newspaper/june1a01.html
http://wellnessmama.com/575/how-grains-are-killing-you-slowly/

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In evidenza

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Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.