Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits of Wheat Bran
Wheat bran is the by product derived from the process of making flour. The outer layer of the cereal is known as bran. Bran flakes are packed with high nutrition and include a number of health benefits. Apart from bran flakes, bran muffins also became popular in the 1980s. Bran muffins are tasty, healthy and nutritious.
Numerous Health Benefits of Wheat Bran
Popularly known as a dietary fiber, wheat bran is available in different forms which include bran flakes, bran muffins and bran cereals. It is known to be greatly beneficial to the body in more ways than one. Some of the most important health benefits of consuming bran in different forms are elaborated below.
Digestion: According to recent surveys, consumption of bran helps to reduce many health issues related to digestion. It helps to reduce several disorders such as hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome and so forth. It also helps to reduce constipation to a large extent. Bran is fibrous and therefore adds bulk to the stool. It softens the stool and helps it pass easily and therefore prevents constipation. There are many other dietary forms of fiber which can be consumed to reduce constipation.
Weight loss: Regular consumption of wheat bran helps to prevent obesity and unhealthy eating habits. Bran is known to be a filling base as it is rich in dietary fiber. It absorbs water and tends to expand in the intestine which gives a feeling of fullness. Home made bran muffins are excellent substitutes for other types of junk food. Bran muffins can be added to lunch or breakfast along with milk and fruits to obtain a healthy diet. Moreover, bran products require longer time to chew and so people tend to eat less as it gives a feeling of fullness.
Diabetes: Consumption of wheat bran is also believed to prevent diabetes and regulate blood sugar levels. The fiber present in the bran helps to stabilize sugar level in the blood.
Nutritious, Healthy and Tasty
Wheat bran tastes sweet and can be added to cookies, waffles and biscuits to improve the nutritional content of a meal. Bran powder is also consumed by some people to augment their intake of fiber. Although bran is added to different types of food, bran muffins are the most popular choices of food. But muffins may lose its nutritional goodness if it is smeared with butter or syrup.
It is important to consume only small quantities of bran at first and then gradually increase the quantity. Too much fiber in the diet can lead to diarrhea. Bran is usually added to food that lacks nutritional value. Bran flakes are also added to milk to make a healthy breakfast. It is filling and rich in nutritious value.
It is important to store bran in refrigerators or deep freezers so that it stays fresh for a long period of time. Bran products tend to become rancid if it is not stored appropriately. It can also be stored in air tight containers at low temperatures. However, the product should be discarded if it tastes bitter or strange.
