Whole Grains in the Teen Diet Better health for your teen could
be as close as your breadbox. The more whole grains teenagers
eat, the leaner they are and the less likely they are to develop
diabetes, a recent University of Minnesota study found. With
obesity and diabetes rising among children, that's a slice of
good news. Why are whole grains healthy? "They provide protein,
complex carbohydrates, several vitamins and are good sources of
iron and zinc (important to sexual development),” says Connie
Diekman, R.D., the 2007-2008 president of the American Dietetic
Association. Whole grains may also help prevent heart disease
and some forms of cancer. What’s the difference between whole
and refined grains? Whole grains consist of the entire kernel,
inside and out. In refined grains, the milling process removes
the kernel's outer layer and the fiber. How many servings per
day? Most teens and adults need at least six servings of grains
daily. If you can, make sure three of them are whole grains. To
start adding who