It’s not surprising to hear comments along the lines of, “I know bread isn’t that good for me” or “I shouldn’t have a roll but I don’t have any self-control” or . . . (fill in the blank). What is surprising is hearing those comments from wheat growers, millers, and industry advocates. Wheat has been an easy target for food bullying and unfounded blame, but the science reassures that wheat can be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Wheat provides essential nutrients that fight chronic and sometimes fatal illness, like heart disease and certain cancers, the two leading causes of death in Americans over the age of 25. Packed with fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, grains help lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, regulate the nervous system, improve brain function, keep oxygen moving through the body, and myriad additional benefits when eaten as part of a balanced diet, which should also be paired with regular moderate exercise.
Despite the benefits, USDA reports that 90% of women in the United States and 97% of men fall short of the 5-8 daily servings recommended by the U.S. dietary guidelines. That shortfall isn’t just whole grains — from which half of your grain servings should come — it’s a shortfall in grain consumption overall.
Misinformation, disinformation, and social influence have played a role in consumer skepticism, and that skepticism is creeping into the mindset of even those closest to the field. Furthermore, marketing claims that home-milled, unsifted, or small batch milling is nutritionally superior to store brand, enriched, bleached flour milled at a large commercial mill abound.
The reality is, all flour is nutritious. If a consumer wants to pay a premium for hand-milled whole wheat flour, wonderful. If a home baker picks up the store brand all purpose flour for a fraction of the price, excellent. The most nutritious wheat is the wheat a person or a family will eat.
As we enter a season of community gatherings and shared meals, remember that consumers won’t trust a farmer who doesn’t eat their own product. So don’t mention that you are being “naughty” by enjoying bread or a dessert. Don’t spread shame like butter when someone reaches for another roll. Life is supposed to be enjoyed, not just survived, and wheat will never let you down.