Q: I would like to know about some wholegrain food products for my father who is prone to high sugar and cholesterol. He regularly eats processed foods. So are there any brands of breads or biscuits which are whole meal? Is it available in Chennai?

A:Wholegrain foods contain all the components of the grain - the bran, germ and endosperm. Typical wholegrain foods include whole meal and mixed grain breads, rolled oats, whole meal pastas and brown rice. The outer layers of grains are particularly rich in dietary fiber as well as a range of other nutrients. Together they work to keep the bowel healthy. Fiber and other components remove toxins, promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and help keep the bowel regular. Vitamins, minerals and other phytochemicals found in wholegrains play an important role in keeping the cells of the bowel wall healthy. Bread and biscuits may have added fibre but it would be much better to include the following foods in his meals to increase the fibre content.