Striking a balanced diet can be difficult with so much conflicting information being passed around on the internet and through the media. However, it is widely accepted that whole grains can be a beneficial and important part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation. Indeed, they have a wealth of fantastic nutrients in them including fibre, B vitamins and minerals to aid digestion, lower blood sugar, and cut the chances of developing certain chronic diseases.

The following whole grain foods are just three of the great options you may choose to incorporate into your diet, which have been chosen because they are inexpensive and easy to get hold of. Take a look at my latest video above too.

1. Brown rice

Brown rice is possibly one of the best go-to whole grains to opt for due to its versatility and availability. It includes a variety of fantastic nutrients including manganese (which is good for the nervous system and is required to produce certain hormones and fatty acids), magnesium (which is good for bone growth), phosphorous, potassium and selenium. It also has a low glycemic index (GI), meaning it is effective for those hoping to lower their blood sugar.

2. Buckwheat

Although technically a seed, buckwheat acts in the same way as many whole grains and contains a number of the same nutrients. These include manganese, copper, phosphorous, B vitamins, and glutathione, an effective antioxidant.

3. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is another tasty and inexpensive whole grain that is full of nutrients. These include phosphorus, copper, biotin, vitamin B1, magnesium, chromium, and zinc.

All of the foods mentioned here are high in fibre, which is important for good digestion and excretion. In this way, if you suffer from any digestive issues, increasing your intake of these ingredients can do wonders for you health. Furthermore, they cover a lot of dietary bases in that they are great for preventing issues such as heart disease, cancer, gall stones and blood pressure.

Finally, it is important to note that although whole grains are carbohydrates – something many people try and avoid – their health benefits generally outweigh any potential negatives. Indeed, the fact that they are low GI means that they will not raise your blood sugar so fast, and will provide the slow release energy you need to maintain a good weight.