Whole grains and health: perspective for Asian Indians.

Grains are a part of human diet for about 10,000 years. Grains are the most important food source of Indian population, due to this carbohydrate consumption constitute approx. 60-70% of total food intake. Variety of grains are available in India, and different grains form staple diets of people in different part of the country. Whole grains are now recognized as an important source of fiber and other nutrients like trace minerals a vitamins. Grains have shown to have a role in prevention and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer and obesity.