A study published in the February 2010 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association has found that most teens and young adults aren’t getting the recommended amount of whole grains in their diets.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health analyzed data from a national survey known as Project EAT (Eating Among Teens). They studied the consumption of whole grains by 792 adolescents and 1,686 young adults between the ages of 15 and 23, and found that most are consuming less than one serving of whole grains per day.

Among the reasons found for the deficit were availability of whole grain products and taste as well as fast food consumption.

Experts recommend three daily servings of whole grains for the prevention of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and excess weight gain.

Whole grains are grains that haven’t been refined before being added to foods. They are better sources of fiber and other important nutrients, such as selenium, potassium and magnesium than refined grains.

Examples of whole grain foods include certain breads, breakfast cereals, crackers and pasta as well as oatmeal, popcorn, brown rice, barley and couscous.