Antioxidants in whole grains - vitamin E, phenolic acids, phytic acid, tocotrienols - keep free radicals in check, which helps prevent heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.  
  

Trace minerals, such as zinc and selenium, help beef up the immune system and participate in antioxidant reactions. Whole grains are stuffed with hard-to-get minerals. 

102 PREVENTION / MARCH 1999