Everyone knows that grains are an important healthy part of a good diet.  It is important to make sure that you are eating the right number of grains daily.

To make sure this happens eat half of your diet in grains each day. Whole grain and wheat help to keep your digestive system in order and running smoothly, as well.

Did you know that whole grains and whole grain foods are made up of all three layers of the grain seed or kernel?

Here are the layers and explanations that will help you to understand.

1. The bran (outer layer): give you all of the fiber as well as B vitamins; minerals such as magnesium, iron and zinc, and some protein.

2. The endosperm (middle layer): makes up for most of the weight of the grain and is made up mainly of carbohydrate and protein.

3. The germ (inner layer): has B vitamins, unsaturated fats, vitamin E, and minerals.

  Most whole grains are quite tasty such as brown rice, barley, whole oats or oatmeal, wheat and rye breads.

When you go shopping with your parents, do the healthy choice thing and read labels.

Whole grain foods will have the words ‘whole’ or ‘whole grain’ followed by the name of the grain as one of the first ingredients.