Whole Wheat Flour is a powdery substance derived by grinding or mashing the wheat's whole grain. It is used in baking but typically added to other "white" flours to provide nutrients (especially fiber and protein), texture, and body to the finished product.

Wheat Germ in any form, is a great source of many vitamins, including vitamin E, most of the B vitamin group, folic acid, and a number of minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc. This list is by no means all inclusive. The vitamin E in wheat germ is a powerful antioxidant that is important for fighting cancer and heart problems.

Probably one of the best things about wheat germ, especially as you get older and your digestive system starts to slow down, is that it is an excellent source of fiber. Eating wheat germ on a regular basis, as well as eating other fiber rich foods, is an excellent way to stay regular and avoid things like constipation, or worse, a blocked colon.

Stone ground cornmeal uses the whole kernel of corn which provides full flavor while retaining the vitamin and mineral content of the corn. Corn is the only grain that contains vitamin A, with yellow corn containing more than white. Whole corn is also a good source of vitamins B and C, potassium, and fiber. Stone ground cornmeal provides a tasty alternative for people that are allergic to wheat products such as flour. Stone ground cornmeal is free of any additives and preservative.

They're a great source of protein. And they're also extraordinarily high in polyphenols -- the Arnold Schwarzenegger of the antioxidant family. Yes, peanuts are high in fat. But now we know that, like avocados, they are high in the "good" kind - monounsaturated fat. They also contain magnesium, folate, vitamin E, copper, arginine, and fiber - all of which are known to lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Another one of peanuts' virtues is that they contain high amounts of resveratrol. Studies have shown that resveratrol can inhibit the growth of colorectal tumor cells.

Rye is packed with good nutrition. It contains high levels of proteins and fibre. It contains good amounts of iron, calcium and zinc and a whole slew of B vitamins. There's also vitamin E aplenty. Unfortunately by the time it has been refined to "light rye" and mixed with wheat flour, the resultant bread may not hold its own against wheat wholemeal bread. The best rye breads for nutritional value are made from dark rye.

Rye has been the focus of recent research by the Finnish company Fazer which hopes to promote rye more widely as a health food, even for children. They have found rye to be a good source of "prebiotics" and fibre, making it a valuable food for cancer prevention. It is also recommended as having a role in preventing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Rye contains a lot of soluble fibre which slows down the release of carbohydrates and sugars, so that you feel satisfied for longer after eating it compared to wheat bread. The sugars in rye are largely "fructans" - a type of fructose, which accounts for the slightly sweet taste. Fructans allow this plant to thrive in relatively cool conditions.

Many of the benefits of eating rye come from the fact that it ferments in the gut to produce valuable nutrients such as short-chain fatty acids and arabinoxylan. Short-chain fatty acids help the immune system by promoting lymphocyte production and they also lower cholesterol production and stabilise blood sugar levels. Arabinoxylan is thought to act much like beta-glucan from oats. Beta-glucans are responsible for some of the heart-healthy attributes of oats and have a whole bundle of health benefits credited to them.

Cracked Wheat is a wheat product made from whole raw wheat kernels which are crushed or cut into smaller pieces. There are a large number of uses for cracked wheat, and the food makes a popular dietary supplement in many cultures. Many grocery stores carry cracked wheat, which should be stored in a cool dry place until use so that it does not go rancid. If not used within one year, cracked wheat should be discarded.

A similar product, bulgur wheat, is also made by cracking wheat kernels. Bulgur, however, is made from wheat kernels which are steamed and toasted before cracking, so that they develop a rich, nutty flavor. Bulgur also requires minimal cooking, since it is already partially cooked. Cracked wheat, on the other hand, uses whole raw wheat berries. Numerous other types of cracked grain are also available for use in various recipes and animal fodder.

Because cracked wheat is made from whole wheat berries, it carries a great deal of nutrition and fiber since it includes the fiber and nutrient rich outer bran and germ of the wheat. For this reason, it is often added to healthy diets, especially those eaten by people who are concerned about heart health.

Buckwheat Flour is flour ground from Fagopyrum esculentum, known more casually as buckwheat. It has a rich, nutty flavor and a very high nutritional value, making it popular in many nations, especially in Asia. In addition, buckwheat flour is gluten free, leading people with gluten intolerance to seek it out as a flour alternative. Many grocery stores carry buckwheat flour and buckwheat blends.

Although buckwheat is treated like a cereal crop, it is actually a plant, not a grass. The fruit of buckwheat is what is harvested and eaten, after the hard outer husk has been pulled away. The plant thrives in poor growing conditions and matures quickly, two things which have made it a popular choice of crop around the world. In addition to making buckwheat flour from the buckwheat harvest, people also crack it into groats and steam or boil them in puddings and porridge. Buckwheat is also planted as a cover crop for beekeeping, since it produces a high volume of flavorful nectar.

To make buckwheat flour, the plants are mowed and allowed to dry before threshing to remove the inedible outer husk. Next, the buckwheat is allowed to dry out completely, to prevent it from going rancid. The buckwheat is ground, typically with the outer bran, which is high in fiber and other nutrients. The bran turns the resulting buckwheat flour a rich brown color, with dark flecks. Then, the buckwheat flour can be packaged for sale on its own, or blended with other flours.

Oat Flour is a flour which is made from ground oats. This flour can be used in a wide variety of recipes, although it does carry a caution, as it does not behave like wheat flour, since it contains no gluten. As a result, if oat flour is used alone, baked goods will not rise or hold together; oat flour must be mixed with other flours in baking, whether you are attempting gluten free baking or just wanting to spice up conventional recipes. Most markets carry oat flour, and it can also be made at home if you have a good spice mill or food processor.

Oats are a cereal grain which has been cultivated for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that people have been eating oats in a variety of recipes for quite a long time, but that oats were especially popular in gruels, made by cooking oats for an extended period of time to soften them. Over time, other uses for oats developed; one of the most well known is oatmeal, a modern form of prehistoric gruels which is widely eaten in many regions of the world. Oats are high in fiber and an assortment of useful dietary minerals, making them an excellent addition to the diet.

To make oat flour, oats are finely ground to create a powder, in the same way that other grains are processed into flour. Typically, whole oats are used, so the resulting flour retains the nutritional value of the oats. Oat flour can be added to an assortment of recipes, replacing part of the flour which the recipe calls for, and it adds a rich, nutty flavor and a dense texture to baked goods. Some people like using it in breads, and it can also be added to baked sweets and muffins for a more chewy texture.

Good nutrition can prevent as well as cure disease. This is applicable to all whether humans or pets. Many veterinarians are of the opinion that if the animals are given sufficient amount of nutritional food and supplements they will remain hale and hearty. For this reason the veterinarians suggest people to include daily dose of flaxseed oil in their pet's diet.

Fatty acids, present in the Flax seed oil is used as a nutritional supplement for treating dogs and cats. Like in humans the essential fatty acids present in flaxseed provides dogs with the right ratio of important fatty acids and helps them to survive. Dogs suffering from inflammations can be cured with the supplements of flaxseed oil. Those dogs that get regular dose of flaxseed oil in the daily diet will have more shiny and healthy skin as compared to other dogs.

Oat-based foods have long been known for their health benefits, and it's now general knowledge that oats make a significant contribution to human health. According to the FDA, there is scientific agreement that soluble fiber from oat products when added to a low-saturated fat, low-cholesterol diet may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Oats are a great source of dietary fiber - they consist of approximately 55 percent soluble fiber and 45 percent insoluble fiber. Oats contain a high percentage of desirable complex carbohydrates, which have been linked to: reduced risk of colon, breast, and prostate cancer; better management of diabetes; and fewer bowel problems such as constipation.

Oats have a high Vitamin B1 content, which is required by the body for carbohydrate metabolism. On a per gram basis, oats contain a higher concentration of protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, thiamin, folacin and Vitamin E than any other unfortified whole grain, such as wheat, barley, corn or rice.

Oats contain one of the best amino acid profiles of all grains. Amino acids are essential proteins that help facilitate optimum functioning of the body. Oats are naturally low in fat. Researchers agree that nearly everyone - men and women of all ages and races - benefits from eating a low-fat diet.

The lipids present in oats contain a good balance of essential fatty acids, which has been linked with longevity and general good health.

Sesame seeds add a nutty taste and a delicate, almost invisible, crunch to many Asian dishes. They are also the main ingredients in tahini (sesame seed paste) and the wonderful Middle Eastern sweet call halvah. They are available throughout the year.

Sesame seeds may be the oldest condiment known to man dating back to as early as 1600 BC. They are highly valued for their oil which is exceptionally resistant to rancidity. "Open sesame," the famous phrase from the Arabian Nights, reflects the distinguishing feature of the sesame seed pod, which bursts open when it reaches maturity. The scientific name for sesame seeds is Sesamun indicum.

Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds:
Not only are sesame seeds a very good source of manganese and copper, but they are also a good source of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc and dietary fiber. In addition to these important nutrients, sesame seeds contain two unique substances: sesamin and sesamolin. Both of these substances belong to a group of special beneficial fibers called lignans, and have been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect in humans, and to prevent high blood pressure and increase vitamin E supplies in animals. Sesamin has also been found to protect the liver from oxidative damage.

The health benefits of pumpkin are well-known, though most people do not think of pumpkin as a health food. Perhaps this is because most of us think of pumpkin pie, which is a high-calorie treat--but it might be one of the healthier desserts we could choose. Pumpkin is loaded with vitamins C, K and E, beta-carotene, fiber, and several other beneficial antioxidants and other phytonutrients like lutein and ziazanthin. Pumpkin seeds are high in various minerals such as manganese, magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper and iron and are high in essential fatty acids (no trans fats, either!) Pumpkin is a common ingredient in some facial and skin products that help protect against aging and dermatologic maladies. There is even research that indicates pumpkin extracts can be useful in the treatment of diabetes. For humans, it is no less than a miracle food.

But what about our pets? They don't need vitamin C and very few dogs or cats are deficient in any of the above minerals or vitamins, thanks to the diets most of them consume (which are superior to what the average human consumes as part of his or her diet.) But the fiber content is sometimes very useful in the treatment and maintenance of digestive health of our pets. Few foods are more readily consumed than pumpkin puree (not the pumpkin pie filling) by our pets; just a small portion in their daily diets (1/4 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, depending on the pet's weight) can make the difference between a case of chronic diarrhea or constipation and a normal daily bowel movement. Many veterinarians often prescribe pumpkin as part of the treatment for either intestinal malady, as well as simply a healthful dietary supplement.

Small chunks of apples provide a high-fiber, crunchy snack for dogs. Apples are loaded with phytonutrients and vitamins A and C. Because apples contain the fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6, they can contribute to a dog's healthy skin and glossy coat. It's not only safe but beneficial to leave the nutrient-packed skin on apples before feeding them to your pet.

Apple seeds are toxic if consumed in large quantities. The seeds contain a form of cyanide called amygdalin, which can affect how oxygen in the blood is carried throughout a dog's body. Unbroken seeds will pass harmlessly through a dog's digestive system. Apples should always be cored, and the seeds removed, before cutting them up into quarters or bite-sized chunks for your dog.

The benefits of feeding apples to dogs outweigh the potential problems caused by ingesting apple seeds. The rule of thumb should always be to limit the amount of any one kind of snack for your dog. Too many apple snacks can cause inflammation flareups in an older dog with arthritis. And, because apples are high in fiber, too many apples can cause diarrhea and loose stools in dogs. Apples provide vitamins, fatty acids and other nutrients that your dog might otherwise lack in its daily diet.

Banana is a very delicious and nutritious food that is available all year round. This fruit can be cooked, baked or eaten raw. Mashed bananas mixed with cottage cheese will be easily devoured by the dog. Banana biscuits, banana and oats muffin, ripe and fresh bananas will be an ideal and handy treats for the dog. Banana would be a good Kong toy stuffer. Banana is a deep green fruit that turns to yellow or red when ripe is a good source of fiber. This fruit that comes in its own disposable wrapper contain almost no fat, very low in sodium and loaded with potassium. Banana provides vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese and folate... all necessary in promoting the health of the pet. Banana is an energy food because of the soluble carbohydrate it contains.

Most dogs would eat any fruits. Dogs in the wild would eat fruits and berries especially when food is scarce. Banana is a tropical fruit that contains a lot of antioxidants that aids in the promotion of good condition of the skin and fur. These antioxidants prevent degeneration of the body and inhibit the development of old age related disease. While other fruits have bad effects on the health of the dog, a banana is perfectly safe as long as it is given to the dog in moderation. Given in large amounts, banana can cause stomach upset. Dogs and humans have many genetic similarities. However, the digestive tract of dogs is much shorter. The digestive capacity of dogs is different from the digestive capabilities of human as well. Eating large amounts of banana can cause diarrhea. Although the sugar content of banana is not the processed kind, regular ingestion of large amounts of banana can result to obesity and aggravate the condition of a diabetic pet.

Although the nutrients the dog can get from fruits can also be obtained from premium dog foods, including fruits in the dog's diet will ensure that the pet is provided with a variety of healthy foods. Banana is one of the nutritious fruits that will make a good treat for the dog.

White potatoes are high in carbs, fiber, vitamin-c, vitamin-b complex and iron. Potatoes provide active dogs, like racing dogs, with carbohydrates. Dogs love the sugary taste of sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes offer impressive amounts of antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin-c, iron, phosphorus and vitamin-b complex. Sweet potatoes digest easily and offer plenty of fiber. One of their best health benefits is the calcium level that helps strengthen dogs' bones and teeth.

other benefits of sweet potatoes.

Immunity: Being very rich in beta carotene, which is a major anti oxidant, apart from vitamin-C and B-complex, iron and phosphorus present in them, sweet potatoes are excellent immunity boosters.

Inflammation: Like the common potato, sweet potato also has anti inflammatory properties, although it does not belong to the family of common potato. This is primarily due to presence of beta-carotene, vitamin-C and magnesium. It is equally effective in curing internal and external inflammations.

Asthma: The sweet potato is effective in curing congestion of nose, bronchi and lungs, thereby giving relief in asthma. Its typical aroma helps in this.

Bronchitis: The concentration of vitamin-C, iron and other nutrients help curing bronchitis. The sweet potatoes are believed to be capable of warming up the body (may be due to the sweetness and other nutrients). This property also is beneficial in bronchitis, apart from its property to ease congestion.

Arthritis: Beta-carotene, magnesium, zinc and vitamin-B complex, among others, make sweet potato a helping hand to cure arthritis. The water in which the sweet potatoes are boiled can be applied externally on joints too to ease pain in arthritis.

Digestion: The fiber content of sweet potatoes is higher than that of common potatoes and it tastes good too. When these two factors are combined with other minerals like magnesium present in sweet potatoes, it makes an excellent facilitator for digestion. Sweet potatoes are easy to digest too, since they mainly contain starch. They are soothing for the stomach and intestines too.

Cancer: Beta-carotene, the champion anti oxidant and anti carcinogen, the pigments responsible for the color of the peel of the sweet potatoes and vitamin-C, are very beneficial for curing many types of cancer, mainly those of colon, intestines, prostrate, kidneys and other internal organs.

Water Balance: The fiber or roughage present in sweet potatoes helps retain water. This maintains water balance in the body.

Stomach Ulcers: Sweet potato has a soothing effect on the stomach and intestines. The vitamins (B-complex and C), beta carotene, potassium and calcium are very effective in curing stomach ulcers. Moreover, the roughage in sweet potatoes prevents constipation and resultant acid formation, thereby reducing the chance of ulcers. The anti inflammatory and soothing properties of sweet potatoes also reduce the pain and inflammation of the ulcers.

Diabetes: Contrary to the popular belief, the sweet potatoes are beneficial for diabetics. Amazingly, they are very effective in regulating blood sugar lever by helping proper secretion and function of insulin. Of course, that does not mean that diabetics should eat them indiscriminately. The idea is that they can replace their rice or carbohydrate intake with sweet potatoes.

Weight Gain: This is easily understood. The sweet potatoes are sweet as well as contain very good amount of complex starch, apart from healthy vitamins, minerals and some proteins too. Moreover, they are very easy to digest. Thus they provide a lot of energy and are excellent bulk builders. Those suffering from inferiority complex due to their bones visibly sticking out of their skin, will welcome this news, without having any risk any side effect, which most of the synthetic bulk building dietary supplements run.

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