Unprocessed Wheat Bran Vs. Raw Wheat Bran

Wheat bran is a food source high in dietary fiber and other nutrients.

Wheat grains undergo milling, which separates the bran, or the outer husk, from the main kernel. Processing cleans and refines the bran, preparing it for storage. Wheat bran is rich in highly insoluble dietary fiber and antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Unprocessed

Processing wheat bran strips vital nutrients from the grain, however, wheat products are often toasted to improve shelf life. Toasting unprocessed wheat bran does not necessarily strip bran of its nutrients, according to Hodgson's Mill. They claim that their toasting process does not remove any wheat bran nutrients.

Raw

Raw wheat bran is unprocessed and has not undergone any treatment to increase its longevity. Wheat bran can become rancid because it has a high oil content, which is why it is often separated from the grain before processing. Raw wheat bran should be refrigerated and eaten fresh because it spoils quickly.

Significance

Processed bran is found in breakfast cereals and whole-wheat breads. Raw wheat bran may even help fight cancer. Some medical studies have shown that animals fed a diet rich in raw wheat bran had a lower incidence of cancer-causing cells than those fed a regular diet, according to the USDA's Agricultural Research Service.

References

• Colorado State University: Dietary Fiber
• Hodgson Mill: Quick and Easy Unprocessed Wheat Bran Tips
• Science Update: Could Wheat Bran Fight Colon Cancer?
• Help Guide: The Anti-Cancer Diet
• "Food - Your Miracle Medicine:" Wheat Bran Manipulator