Grains Get the Green Light

Health, Taste, Energy. And they won't make you fat!

At last It's OK eat more of something" says Trish Griffiths, Accredited Practising Dietitian and spokesperson for the GO GRAINS nutrition program, in the findings of a review commissioned by GO GRAINS about the role of the carbohydrates in weight control.

The review, Setting the Record Straight The Role of Carbohydrates in Weight Control", dispels the misconception that eating too many carbohydrates, found in foods such as bread, will make you fat.

Statistics show that two out of every three Australian men and one in every two women are overweight or obese, and the numbers are rising. There is clearly a cause for concern about the health of Australians. Diet does make a significant impact on our health and people need to know what foods can be eaten without the fear of gaining weight" Griffiths said.

Carbohydrates are found in all foods made from grains (including bread, pasta, noodles, breakfast cereals) and pulses, (including baked beans, chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans). We know from recent research that many people, especially women, are still afraid to eat these extremely healthy foods for fear of gaining weight," Griffiths said. On the contrary, this review establishes considerable scientific evidence to suggest that a diet high in carbohydrates and low in fat should be the foundation of weight loss and weight maintenance efforts."

Furthermore, we know a diet rich in carbohydrates from grains, especially whole grains, pulses, fruits and vegetables is associate with a lower risk of problems such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes. These really are wonder foods and with continual advancements in culinary options, you can buy many of them in convenient ready to use form" said Griffiths, who is also Nutrition Services Manager with BRI Australia Ltd in Sydney.

World Expert on Obesity

We really need to let people know that carbohydrates are an essential part of a healthy diet but that they will not make you fat" Professor Caterson said.

Trish Griffiths added, grain based eating is good news for those of us who are tired of being told what not to eat. Never before have grains and pulses been so readily available and in such variety." The range includes breads, breakfast cereals, pasta, rice, noodles, couscous, chickpeas, baked beans and lentils, to name just a few!

Professor Caterson has had a long interest in the metabolic effects and treatment of obesity. He currently chairs the National Obesity Prevention Group for the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged care, is a member of the International Obesity Taskforce, and is Regional Advisor to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on obesity. Obesity is a growing problem that can be overcome with regular exercise and knowledge of the right foods to eat" says Professor Ian Caterson.

GO GRAINS, is a nutrition awareness program established for the Australian grains industry by BRI Australia Ltd and supported by Australia's graingrowers through the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).