National Nutrition Month
Posted on Mar 07, 2017
Every March, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics hosts a National Nutrition Month® campaign focusing on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme is “Put Your Best Fork Forward” – a great reminder that we all hold the tools in making healthier choices, and by taking small steps, we can all improve our health.
Did you know a diet including whole grains is a food choice that may improve your health? Recent research has supported the consumption of whole grains, such as sorghum. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that people who eat three or more servings of whole grains a day may reduce the risk of premature death by 20 percent. The research also suggested that consuming whole grains may lower your risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
More recently, Tufts University published a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which showed that participants who followed a diet with whole grains compared to participants who ate refined grains without much fiber retained fewer calories during digestion and had an increase in their metabolism. Also, participants displayed a slight improvement in their gut microbiota and immune response, speculating that a diet including whole grains may lessen the risk of chronic disease by reducing inflammation.
The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends at least half of all grains eaten should be whole grains. Depending on your age and gender, one should consume at least 3-4 ounces of whole grains daily. Sorghum is an excellent whole grain to incorporate into your diet to “put your best fork forward” this March. If you’re new to sorghum or you’ve been enjoying it in many meals, our website showcases recipes, cooking tips and health information to help you reach your health goals.
Get started with these whole grain sorghum recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Breakfast – Strawberry Banana Sorghum Smoothie
*Recipe by Triad to Wellness
Lunch – Balsamic Tuna Sorghum Salad
*Recipe and photo by Lauren Harris-Pincus
Dinner – Slow Cooker Sorghum, Chicken and Pepers
*Recipe and photo by Triad to Wellness
Snack - Sorghum Pico De Gallo
*Recipe and photo by Triad to Wellness