Ask Dr Miriam

Q We’re always being told to eat wholegrains. What’s so wonderful about wholegrains? A Well, in the first place, wholegrains are very nutritious.

The outer part of the grain, the husk, contains many vitamins and the fibre you need for a healthy bowel.

But research has also proven that a high intake of wholegrains reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Furthermore, death from lung disease, diabetes, infectious diseases and other causes are fewer if you eat lots of wholegrains. They consist of the entire grain and, unlike refined grains, they still contain bran and germ-containing essential micronutrients. In Scandinavia, the recommended daily intake of wholegrains is 75g per day. We in this country by contrast aren’t getting this kind of advice, but it’s worth following. Even if you increase your intake of wholegrains by just one serving, this small improvement can have a relatively large effect on your health.