Health Tip: Eat Whole Grains

(HealthDay News) -- Whole grains are an important part of a balanced diet and can help reduce your risk of developing some chronic diseases.

Grains are a source of fiber, several B vitamins, and minerals such as iron, magnesium and selenium, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says.

The agency mentions these possible advantages to adding more grains to your diet:

• May reduce your risk of heart disease.

• May reduce constipation.

• May help you better manage your weight.

• If fortified with folate, may help prevent neural tube defects during fetal development.