A recent study conducted by Tufts University found that adding whole grains to your diet can lead to weight loss.
The study compared two groups of adults, both with the same total calorie intake and types of food, but with different types of grains in their diets.
The group that consumed whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat flour had an increase in resting metabolic rate and absorbed fewer calories, which resulted in an equivalent of a brisk 30-minute walk worth of extra calories burned.
The researchers noted that the additional fiber from the whole grains changed the way other foods were digested, leading to greater fecal energy losses.
Although the study doesn’t prove that whole grains directly cause weight loss, the authors suspect it might lead to an estimated five-pound weight loss per year.
The findings were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on February 8th.
Here are the eight grains to look for when you’re in a supermarket:
Whole Oats
Oats are very high in avenanthramide, an antioxidant that protects the heart. The fiber in oats is the beta-glucan fiber. It is known for its ability to absorb a lot of water, which means that it swells in your stomach, increasing the feeling of fullness. Generally speaking, oats are a great food for losing weight and keeping it off, as long as you keep an eye on the add-ons.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is rich in so many vitamins that it almost becomes a superfood. It has antioxidants, magnesium, phosphorus, B-group vitamins and is one of the very few products that is high in selenium. It also very high in fiber, low in fat, and has low-density, meaning you feel full after eating a relatively small amount.
If you want to try something very different, red and black rice might be a good choice, both are considered whole grains and are high in antioxidants.
Whole Rye
Researchers believe that rye has more nutrients per serving than any other whole grain. It has 4 times more fiber than standard whole wheat, 100-calories per serving, and it has nearly 50% of your daily recommended amount of iron.
Whole-Grain Barley
Barley is excellent not only for losing weight but also for lowering the cholesterol level. When grocery shopping, make sure you get the whole-grain barley, not “pearled” which practically means refined.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat has more protein than the other grains which makes it an exceptionally good source of protein for vegetarians. It’s very high in magnesium, which is important for regulating blood pressure. And like all whole grains, it’s also a good source of fiber.
Quinoa
Quinoa and buckwheat are great for people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Quinoa is also high in protein and very high in B-group vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Although quinoa is not low in calories, it has a low Glycemic Index, meaning it won’t cause a big spike in blood sugar.
Corn
Corn can be extremely healthy for you when it’s whole. It’s a good source of B-group vitamins, magnesium, and phosphorus, and also high in antioxidants. Corn is also relatively low in calories, at least until you add butter to it.
Lentils
Lentils are a unique grain because they’re really rich in protein and fiber, low in fat, and high in slow-digesting carbohydrates. A half-cup serving of lentils contains 20 grams of carbohydrates and 8 grams of fiber, meaning that 8 of the 20 grams of carbohydrates won’t get digested. On top of that, they’re loaded with B vitamins, zinc, iron, potassium, and calcium.