‘Whole Grains: Breaking Barriers’ Conference Comes to Boston

photo provided to bostonmagazine.com

There’s been a lot of questions surrounding whole grains in the recent years. Should we eat whole grains? What does gluten-free mean? Are some grains healthier than others? Is sprouted wheat better than regular? What is a good carb? Are there any good carbs? Well, Oldways and the Whole Grain Council, a local non-profit food and nutrition education organization, is hosting a conference running November 9-11 to help you better understand the science behind whole grains and what, if any, benefits it offers.

The Whole Grains: Breaking Barriers will be in Boston for the first time since its development in 2004. Although the conference is open to the public, it’s designed for health professionals, manufacturing executives, and writers.

“Our conference will set the science straight, with strong messages and essential information about whole grains, and will provide practical solutions for improving public health,” said Cynthia Harriman, Director of Food and Nutrition Strategies for the Oldways and the Whole Grain Council, in a statement.

Each day of the conference tackles a different whole grain subject. Sunday offers an overview of what breaking whole wheat barriers mean, Monday focuses on gluten intolerance and healthy carbs, and Tuesday discusses how marketing can effect the popularity of whole grains.

Featured speakers include: James Hamblin, senior editor at The Atlantic, who will discuss popular nutrition books such as “Wheat Belly” and “Grain Brain;” David Katz, director at the Yale University Prevention Research Center, who will talk about Paleo; and keynote speaker Dr. Alessio Fasano, director of Center for Celiac Research on why celiac disease and gluten-sensitivity is on the rise.

The Whole Grain: Breaking Barriers conference will take place at the Hyatt Harbor Boston, 101 Harborside Drive, Sunday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration is required, free for Whole Grain Council (WGC) members, $395 for WGC members guests, $445 for health professionals, government, and non-profits, and $695 for none WGC members; wholegrainscouncil.org/get-involved/attend-our-conference