While we're on the topic of false advertising, we'd like to share a great new WGC resource with you.  We recently added a page to our website dedicated to debunking some major myths about grains that are being spread by popular books and blogs.   That's right, we've done the heavy lifting to uncover the truth on these outrageous claims and we're putting them out in the open.  

Are you concerned about GMO wheat?  NO wheat commercially grown in the United States is genetically modified.  In fact, it's the farmers themselves who have fought so hard to keep it that way - fearing that any GMO contamination would hurt their export trade.  There's also no truth to the claim that modern wheat has been bred to contain higher amounts of gluten, causing an increase in celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.  While both conditions are very serious - and on the rise - the reasons are wide-ranging.  (Check out the blog links on our gluten-free page for details.)

What about weight gain?  Isn't wheat the cause of "wheat belly?" While there are plenty of people out there blaming wheat for the extra notches on their belts, no single food can pack on the pounds - unless you simply eat too much of it!   What we know is that our overall consumption of wheat has gone down over the years, making room for the increasing variety of whole grains available today.  

Are there other myths that you'd like to see "busted" on this page? Stop by the Whole Grains Forum on the Oldways website, and make your opinions known.

Since we're here today helping you navigate the waters of uncertainty, we must include another important topic.  If you follow us regularly or keep up with whole grain news on your own, then you're probably aware that many people claim grains (even healthy whole grains) are dangerous because they contribute to chronic inflammation - which plays a role in heart disease, Alzheimer's ("Grain Brain"), and many types of cancer.   

Once again, be careful what you read: "facts" from scientific studies are often manipulated to support whatever hypothesis is being "proven."  How about this for facts?  Two recent studies show that whole grains actually reduce inflammation.

The first study, just published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research states (in plain English!) "This study provides evidence supporting the beneficial effects of whole-grain foods on biomarkers of systemic inflammation in obese children".  The second study, published last summer in the journal Gut Microbes showed that eating whole grain barley and brown rice, even for a short period, helped increase "good bacteria" in the digestive system, which relates to improvements in system-wide inflammation.

Because the vast majority of published studies include jargon that is unfamiliar to the average consumer, it's easy for their messages to be misrepresented - intentionally or not.  So read with caution, and always consider the source.  For more great health studies relating to whole grains, take a look through the WGC's searchable database of health studies.

Do you enjoy keeping up on the latest nutrition news?  The Oldways Nutrition Exchange, a sister program of the WGC, provides incredible, easy-to-understand resources on everything from "Sensible Weight Loss" and "Cooking with Kids" to some great dietary information - like ways to "Meet your Protein Needs" and how to "Get More Fruits and Vegetables."

Oldways created the ONE program for registered dietitians, especially those who work in supermarkets.  But here's the inside scoop:  Whether you're a dietitian or just curious for your own health, all these amazing toolkits are free to access and yours to share.  We've even published an editorial calendar for the year, so you have more to look forward to.  Past toolkits are available too, and after the easy signup,  you can access the whole series!  It's just another great way Oldways and the Whole Grains Council are helping you make informed decisions about what you eat.  Enjoy!

We thought it was time to bring back an oldie but goodie, because who doesn't like a deal?  Check out these 3 from Whole Grains Council members and check back next month for more!

$1 off any item from Bob's Red Mill

$1 off Morning Oat Crunch from Barbara's Bakery

$2 off a family-size frozen entree from Annie's