Whole grain rye bread is any type of rye bread made with every part of raw rye grain seeds including the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. There are many different types of rye bread that utilize whole rye grains including pumpernickel, a very heavy, slightly sweet rye bread. Whole grains are generally very healthy and offer many benefits when taken on a regular basis. Eating these grains can help reduce the risks of certain cancers, childhood asthma, and heart disease.
Great sources of protein, whole rye grains can contain anywhere between 10 and 15 percent protein. Whole rye grains also offer a generous amount of minerals, vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants among many other beneficial nutrients. Breads made with these grains offer health benefits beyond what breads made mostly out of flour or partial grains can offer.
The bran part of rye seed is the tough outer skin, which is designed to protect the other parts from water, pests, sunlight, and disease. Rye bran contain B vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. When fertilized, the germ component of a rye seed can sprout and grow into a new rye plant. The germ from a rye seed contains a little protein, some healthy fats, B vitamins, and minerals. Endosperm provides food for the germ and contains proteins, carbohydrates, and small amounts of minerals and vitamins.
Many countries around the world produce and consume different types of whole grain rye bread. Rye grains are slender and grow in a variety of colors from grayish green to yellowish brown, depending on the variety. A majority of the rye used across the globe is commercially grown in countries such as Poland, Canada, China, Denmark and Russia.
Whole grains are naturally cholesterol free and low in fat. Many whole grain rye bread manufacturers add no preservatives, sugars, or fats to their products, which further contributes to their health benefits. Rye grains and other whole grains contain large amounts of magnesium, a mineral that is essential for healthy enzyme activity in the body. Many whole grains are also rich in phosphorous, manganese and selenium.
Fiber has the ability to remove toxins from the body by binding to them in the colon. Whole grain rye bread contains an abundance of fiber. Fiber protects cells within the colon from harm and is known to help prevent colon cancer. Other health benefit linked with fiber are that it helps speed along digestion and reduces bile acid secretion, which can lead to gallstones.