Part II: Why We Love The New Food Pyramid Even Though Bread Is At The Bottom (It’s all about balance.)

Last week, we discussed the new Food Pyramid, the relocation of whole grains within it, and the concept of how a balanced, whole- food diet can contribute positively to long -term health. Let's dig a bit deeper!

Whole spelt, an ancient grain.

How Freshly Milled Whole Grains Are Different- and How They Fit in the New Food Pyramid

In a whole-food diet, grains occupy a supporting- but important role. Highly processed flour products, such as those found in commercial bread products, can spike blood sugar and introduce synthetic compounds into the diet. Freshly milled whole grain kernels (like those found in our organic loaves) can retain portions of the bran, germ and the endosperm. This provides multiple benefits to the body, including fiber and nutrients necessary for daily activity, brain function, and gut health.

Support Blood Sugar and Energy

One of the biggest concerns for health-focused readers is blood sugar stability- and rightly so. Freshly milled whole grains:

• Digest more slowly due to intact fiber

• Promote a gentler rise in blood glucose

• Provide sustained energy rather than spikes and crashes

When eaten alongside protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables, they can support steady energy levels and improved satiety, rather than the rollercoaster effect often caused by refined flour products.

Gut Health Starts with Real Fiber

The new food pyramid highlights fiber as foundational to health, and freshly milled grains contribute meaningful amounts of bioavailable, naturally occurring fiber—not added or isolated fiber.

This type of fiber:

• Feeds beneficial gut bacteria

• Supports regular digestion

• Plays a role in inflammation and immune health by providing protective phytonutrients

For many people, improving gut health isn’t about elimination- it’s about upgrading food quality. This is why organic sourdough bread is often well-tolerated by those with gluten sensitivities!

A Nutrient-Dense Carb (Not an Empty One)

Health-focused eating isn’t about avoiding carbohydrates altogether, it’s about choosing carbohydrates that come with benefits.

Freshly milled whole grains provide:

• Magnesium for muscle and nerve function

• B vitamins for energy metabolism

• Iron, zinc, and antioxidants in naturally balanced ratios

• Vitamin E for heart health

These nutrients work together, which is something no conventional “enriched” flour can truly replicate.

The Big Picture

Freshly milled whole grains align perfectly with the goals of recent (actually, traditional!) nutrition guidance:

• Whole, minimally processed foods

• Nutrient density over empty calories

• Balance rather than restriction

When we choose quality over convenience and mindful preparation over processing, whole grains fit beautifully into a health-focused diet. Join us in returning to food in its most honest form- and check out our Instagram page for whole food tips! 🌾