10 Ways to Enjoy Amazing Grains (and Wannabe Grains)

Across the globe, grains constitute about 50% of the world's daily caloric intake. However, in mall-mad America where the large majority of grains grown are fed to livestock, the typical human being usually falls short of the recommended 5 to 10 servings of grains each day. And those indulging in grains are often limiting themselves to white rice.

While some may demonize grains under the umbrella of the current, unwarranted carbo-phobia, in truth whole grains are an excellent low-fat source of protein. In fact, they provide 47% of the world's protein intake and those who switch from beef to grains as their primary protein source would save about 3000 pounds of CO2 a year. Not surprisingly, the consumption of unrefined whole grains has been known to lower blood-cholesterol levels, enhance digestion, and help prevent cancer.

Grains--preferably organic and locally grown--come in 7 varieties. In addition, there are 3 foods commonly called grains that, well, aren't. So here are...