Final answer:
Whole grains improve the ratio of complex carbohydrates to simple carbohydrates in the diet and provide several health benefits. North Americans are recommended to include whole grains in their diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whole grains are beneficial for several reasons. They help to increase the ratio of complex carbohydrates to simple carbohydrates in the diet. This is important because complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy and take longer to digest, while simple carbohydrates are quickly digested and can cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
Whole grains are also rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps to maintain a healthy weight. They have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
For North Americans, it is recommended to make at least half of your grain choices whole grains. Examples of whole grains include whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, and brown rice.