Which groups of food are included in the classifications of grains?

Foods that make up the grain group include the following: oats, bran, barley rice, wheat. Also foods made from, cornmeal or other cereal grains are considered as grain products. When it comes to choosing foods that fall under the grain group, oatmeal, certain what and rye breads, breakfast cereals, pasta, tortillas fall under the classification.

How are grains devised?

Basically, grains fall under two subgroups: whole grains and refined grains. Whole grains are comprised of the entire grain kernel (wheat germ and bran). Oatmeal, brown rice, whole-wheat flour, whole cornmeal and bulgur (cracked wheat) are examples of whole grains. On the contrary, refined grains have been milled. Milling is a process that involves removing bran and germ. Grains are refined to produce a finer texture while extending the shelf life. Nonetheless, when grains are refined, iron, dietary fiber, iron, and several complex B vitamins are removed in the process.

What are examples of refined grain products?

The best examples of refined grain products include the following: white flour, white bread, white rice and cornmeal without germ. The majority of refined grains are enriched with various vitamins and minerals: riboflavin, iron, certain complex B vitamins, folic acid, thiamin and niacin after the grain has been processed. However, fiber is not usually added back to enriched grains.

Here is a list of the most popularly consumed grain products (whole and refined):

Whole grains
Brown rice
Buckwheat
Oatmeal
Popcorn
Wild rice
Bulgur (cracked wheat)
Whole wheat cereal flakes
Muesli
Whole grain barley
Whole grain cornmeal
Whole rye
Whole wheat bread
Whole wheat crackers
Whole wheat pasta
Whole wheat sandwich buns and rolls
Whole wheat tortillas

Refined grains
Pasta
Crackers
Couscous
Cornbread
Corn tortillas
flour tortillas
Grits
Spaghetti
Macaroni
Noodles