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​​​Webinar Series - Whole Grains

Overview

Over the last decade, much has been written and discussed about the nutritional benefits of whole grains. Various food and nutrition groups and councils have emphasized the importance of whole grain consumption as part of a healthy and balanced diet

There is no doubt that whole grains offer a complete package of health benefits, unlike refined grains, which are stripped of valuable nutrients. The importance of whole grain consumption is as critical now as ever. We have availability of tools for more accurate monitoring and the ability to control what is labelled as a whole grain food. This allows food manufacturers more transparency in consumer messaging. Many countries around the globe still fall behind in meeting minimum consumption targets.

This Whole Grain Webinar Series will offer insights into the status of where we are globally.

In this series we will learn:

• The importance and benefits of whole grain consumption
• Obstacles to more whole grain consumption
• Ways to measure whole grain food products

• Part 1: The Australian Perspective

  Part 1: The Australian Perspective

  Broadcast Date: October 15th, 2020 | 4:00pm CST
  

  
  View On-Demand Webinar
  
  

  Food-based dietary guidelines provide advice on healthy eating for the population and help guide health and nutrition policies. Grains, particularly whole grains, have long been an integral part of the human diet and their role in nutrition and chronic disease prevention is well established. Despite this, whole grain consumption is low globally, as well as here in Australia, and the reasons for poor consumption are not well understood. The Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council have explored Australian dietary recommendations for grains and whole grains over time and have conducted consumer research to investigate consumer knowledge and attitudes, incorporating an exploration of factors influencing consumption, promotion, and provision. This presentation reviews the potential issues within dietary guidance and from other policy-based initiatives such as front-of-pack labelling systems. GLNCs role in the regulation of whole grain content claims and understanding of market insights will be contrasted with consumer research findings. A continued emphasis on multi-stakeholder approaches is required, together with more specific wording and direct dietary guidance, to achieve the required outcomes of swapping whole grains for refined grains. Furthermore, removing the negative stigma associated with carbohydrate foods - including grains - is necessary to improve consumption.

  
  

  About the Presenter

  
  

  Dr. Sara Grafenauer is the General Manager of the Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council with global role responsibilities. She is an Advanced Accredited Practicing with experience over 20+ years in health, tertiary education and food industry. Her PhD research focused on dietary patterns and dietary change in weight loss. She is a Fellow of the University of Wollongong providing lectures and research supervision for projects now focused on grains and legumes. She has additional qualifications in Communications and Public Relations and significant work history leading marketing and communications. Sara is a Board Director, for Nutrition Australia & with the Global Whole Grain Initiative.

• Part 2: The US Perspective

  Part 2: The US Perspective

  Broadcast Date: November 18th, 2020

  
  View On-Demand Webinar
  
  

  The emergence and popularity of some grain-free dietary lifestyles has created confusion about the role of grain in a healthy diet. However, there is nearly unanimous support for whole grains as part of healthy and sustainable diets. Whole grain intake is associated with a variety of improved health outcomes, yet intakes are far below recommendations. There is a need to close the gap between whole grain intakes and recommendations. This presentation will explore opportunities to help return grains, when included as whole grains, to their rightful, prominent place on the plate. Consumer pull for whole grain is unlikely without an equal push from the industry in the form of tasty, affordable whole grain foods that meet consumer expectations. Development of clear and actionable dietary guidance is needed to shape and reinforce policy. Investment from government and non-government organizations in consumer-facing communication programs may help to accelerate the incorporation of whole grains into the diet.

  
  

  About the Presenter

  
  

  Kevin Miller is a Principal Scientist in the Global Scientific and Regulatory Affairs team of General Mills and is responsible for developing input and responses to regulatory authorities on topics of health and nutrition. Kevin has worked with companies including Nestle, Kellogg​s, and Novartis to optimize nutrition offerings for consumers and the healthcare industry. Currently, Kevin is exploring the opportunities for the food industry around sustainable diets to help improve both human and planetary health.