Are you wondering if you should be eating grains? There's a lot of confusion over this issue.

The USDA, of course, recommends we eat grains. Lots of them. How many depends on your age, gender, and level of physical activity. The government agency does at least get it somewhat right in recommending that at least half of the grains you eat should be whole grains.

I would go a few steps beyond that and say that almost ALL the grains you eat should be whole grains. When I say whole grains, I mean grains that have not been milled into flour, and are not processed in any way.

Furthermore, I would recommend avoiding wheat, corn, and soy as much as possible. The reasons for that all start with G: gluten, glyphosate, and GMOs.

Let's start with gluten. Wheat is the primary culprit there, but rye and barley also contain this glue-like protein.

Even if you don't have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it's best to stay away from gluten. This protein, made up of glutenin and gliaden molecules, has become associated with a host of health problems, from autoimmune disorders to depression -- and more.

Wheat has changed dramatically in the last few decades. As such, it is no longer a healthful food, even if you choose the so-called healthiest kinds, like organic, stone-ground, or whole wheat.

That's because of cross-pollination, GMOs, factory farming, glyphosate, and on and on. It's just bad news. Period.

I know it seems hard to give up bread, pasta, cake, pie, and all the other floury processed foods we are so used to. But believe me, if you try going without them for a while, you might just be surprised at how much better you feel!

There are, of course, gluten-free versions of these familiar foods, and some of those might be OK, but check the ingredients carefully. Often the manufacturers sneak in sugar, fillers, preservatives, and other things you don't want in your body.

And yes, I know, who has time for preparing homemade food from scratch, right? At least that's what I used to tell myself. But then I realized it just wasn't true. I could do it.

The tradeoffs in better physical and emotional health, more energy, and greater vitality are so worth it!

The next of the three G's to avoid is glyphosate, also known by its brand name of Roundup. This herbicide, or weed killer, has become ubiquitous in modern agriculture.

The way it works is that grains are genetically modified (the third G -- GMO, or genetically modified organism) in order to not be affected by glyphosate. They become Roundup Ready.

Then the crops are heavily sprayed. The weeds die, but not the grains. The grains are simultaneously dried out by the glyphosate, making them easier to harvest. Everybody wins, right?

Wrong!

The people making money from factory farming win, but everybody else loses, big time!

The World Health Organization even said, in 2015, that glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic in humans"!

So, I try to stay away from those three grains: wheat, corn, and soy. They are just too contaminated in our modern world.

But does that mean you shouldn't eat any grains at all?

No.

There are actually quite a few grains you can eat that are still good for you. However, since even these grains are energetically "heavy," I'd recommend limiting quantities to no more than one serving a day.

And, it's best to eat them whole rather than ground. Grinding them before storage takes away some of their vitality. It increases the chance of rancidity, mold, and insect infestations. The best way to grind grains is with your teeth!

Note that I'm not including barley and rye because they contain gluten.

Millet is also not included here, because it's a goitrogen. Enough of us have thyroid problems as it is, without adding to our troubles! Also, it is not a complete protein like the similar-looking grains, quinoa and amaranth, are.

Buckwheat also didn't make the list, because it contains a chemical that for some people can cause light sensitivity.

The remaining grains are those that made the grade! On the blog today, I'm giving you 8 very healthful grains to add to your diet.

To read the blog, CLICK HERE or on the picture below.