The prevalence of health conditions associated with the Western Diet leads many nutritionists to wonder, “Where did we go wrong?” Perhaps part of the answer was the rush towards refinement and “white” foods, a departure from consuming the variety of heirloom whole grains that accompanied the human race for ages. The benefits of whole grains have certainly been making the headlines, and the search for healthier grains has led to the rediscovery of how unique grains, such as amaranth, quinoa, sorghum, teff and millet, can enliven the pallet and nourish humans in healthier ways.
ConAgra Mills has taken a lead in providing whole grains for the mainstream food industry. One of the company’s foremost products is Sustagrain, a proprietary, identity-preserved (IP), waxy, hull-less barley variety that offers both health benefits and functionality to fit formulators’ needs. For example, Sustagrain has more than 50% of its carbohydrates present as dietary fiber, and 40% of those are in the form of cholesterol-lowering beta glucan. This is equivalent to approximately three times the total dietary and soluble fiber of conventional whole oats. The FDA has approved a heart-health label claim for soluble fiber from barley foods, but the whole-grain fiber it offers is also beneficial for digestive health, blood sugar management and increased satiety.