Studies confirm that consumption of whole grain remains low in the region

  • Date: 18-Nov-2021
  • Source: Zawya
  • Sector:Retail
  • Country:Middle East
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Studies confirm that consumption of whole grain remains low in the region

The third International Whole Grain Day arrives in the Middle East and North Africa this year with studies showing consumption of whole grain remaining low in the region. This is despite World Health Organization recommendations to eat more wholegrains, which are complete grains that maintain their nutrients, including protein, fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, and trace minerals such as iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium. The FITS-Kids study in the United Arab Emirate s for example has shown that only about 7% of 4–13-year-olds in the country consume whole grain. The study, results of which were announced in August 2021, also found daily consumption of fiber among the same age group to be at 11 grams, while recommendations are for consumption of 25 grams per day for 4–8-year-olds, and 26 to 31 grams for 9–13-year-olds. While consumption of refined grains and grain products was found to be high, with almost 99% of 4-8-year-olds and 98% of children 9-13 years consuming some daily, only about 2.6% of 4–13-year-olds in the UAE consume whole grains at breakfast, providing an opportunity to shift to whole grain foods in the morning. “In the Middle East and North Africa, we have always supported whole grain for its