We Bake with Fresh Milled, Unsifted Flour That Contains:
Carbohydrates (mainly starch from the endosperm)
Protein (including gluten-forming proteins in wheat)
Fats (mostly from the germ)
Fiber (from the bran)
Vitamins:
B-complex vitamins (especially B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folate)
Vitamin E (from the germ)
Minerals:
Iron
Zinc
Magnesium
Selenium
Phosphorus
Manganese
WHY OUR BODIES NEED THESE NUTRIENTS
Protein
Surprised to learn that many whole grains are a good source of protein? The proteins in grains mesh with those in beans and other plants to form complete proteins. Your body can’t store protein, so you need to eat some every day.
Fiber
Dietary fiber helps you feel full faster and longer; it also aids digestion and helps prevent constipation. Fiber comes only from plant foods (fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains), and grain fiber is thought to protect against digestive cancers more than other forms of fiber.
Iron
Iron helps our bodies make hemoglobin (for red blood cells) and myoglobin (for muscles), both of which help carry and store oxygen. Iron also plays a role in many other routine bodily functions.
Magnesium
An essential mineral required for hundreds of biochemical reactions, including transmission of nerve impulses, converting food into energy, body temperature regulation and maintaining a strong immune system. Magnesium also helps us absorb calcium, for healthy bones and teeth.
Phosphorus
Another essential mineral, phosphorus is present in every cell in your body, making up 1% of your body weight. It’s main function is the formation of bones and teeth, but it’s also key to the synthesis of protein for cell repair, growth, and maintenance; for heartbeat regularity; and nerve conduction.
Zinc
The mineral zinc helps your immune system fight off bacteria and viruses, and helps wounds heal. It also helps your body make proteins and DNA. Zinc is also essential to proper functioning of your sense of taste and smell.
Copper
Copper (another mineral) helps us absorb iron, and also helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate. Copper is also needed for the production of melanin, which colors our hair and skin.
Manganese
The mineral manganese helps us handle oxidative stress. It activates many important enzymes in the body that are crucial to metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol. Manganese is also essential to the formation of healthy cartilage and bone.
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral. Although we only need small amounts of it, it’s essential to helping prevent cellular damage from free radicals, to regulate thyroid function, and for a healthy immune system.
B Vitamins
The many B vitamins help with metabolism, the process your body uses to make energy from the food you eat. While each has its own functions, in general they also help maintain healthy skin, hair and muscles; form red blood cells; and promote healthy immune and nervous system function. Some research shows that B vitamins also prevent mood swings.
The benefits of whole grains, most documented by repeated studies, include:
reduced risk of stroke
reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
reduced risk of heart disease
better weight maintenance
less inflammation
lower risk of colorectal cancer
THE ONLY VITAMINS MISSING FROM FRESH MILLED WHEAT AND WHY:
1. Vitamin B12
Wheat and all plant-based foods contain virtually no B12, which is only found in animal products or fortified foods.
2. Vitamin D
Also not present in wheat flour; needs to come from sunlight, fortified foods, or animal sources.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (ALA, EPA, DHA)
The wheat germ contains some ALA (plant-based omega-3), but not in large amounts.
No EPA or DHA (the long-chain omega-3s found in fish and algae).
4. Vitamin C
Not found in wheat flour. Fresh fruits and vegetables are needed.
At our micro bakery, we believe that grains are truly a “nearly perfect food.” That’s why we’re dedicated to crafting the most delicious baked goods just for you. We can’t wait for you to enjoy every bite!
What if I told you that indulging in delicious baked goods could actually boost your health? Sounds unbelievable, right? But it’s true! Get ready to discover how these delicious treats can satisfy your cravings while boosting your well-being!
WHAT ARE WHOLE GRAINS?
Before they are harvested, all grains are whole grains. They contain the entire seed (or kernel) of the plant. This seed is made up of three edible parts: the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. The seed is also covered by an inedible husk that protects the seed.
The bran is the outer skin of the seed. It contains antioxidants, B vitamins and fiber.
The endosperm is by far the largest part of the seed and provides energy in the form of starch to support reproduction. It also contains protein and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.
The germ is the embryo of the seed—the part that can sprout into a new plant. It contains B vitamins, protein, minerals like zinc and magnesium, and healthy fats.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WHOLE AND REFINED GRAINS
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans define whole grains and refined grains as follows:
“Whole Grains—Grains and grain products made from the entire grain seed, usually called the kernel, which consists of the bran, germ, and endosperm. If the kernel has been cracked, crushed, or flaked, it must retain the same relative proportions of bran, germ, and endosperm as the original grain in order to be called whole grain.”
“Refined Grains—Grains and grain products with the bran and germ removed; any grain product that is not a whole-grain product. Many refined grains are low in fiber but enriched with thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and iron, and fortified with folic acid.”
Refined grains include foods like white rice and white flour. According to the Whole Grain Council, “Refining a grain removes about a quarter of the protein in a grain, and half to two-thirds or more of a score of nutrients, leaving the grain a mere shadow of its original self.”
