Right Blend for Proper Diet

Food shipments to thousands of Afghan families set adrift by war and drought consist primarily of wheat, wheat-soy and corn-soy blends; beans; vegetable oil; and sugar.

Here is the nutritional content of these foods:

WHEAT: Whole-grain wheat can be milled and made into bread.

One-quarter cup of whole wheat flour, enough for a large slice of bread, provides:

130 calories

25 grams of carbohydrate

5 grams of protein

5 grams of fiber

0.5 grams fat

Other nutrients: B vitamins, potassium, sodium, trace amounts of zinc, phosphorous

BEANS: When combined with grains, they provide a complete protein with all the essential amino acids.

One cup, cooked, provides:

300 calories

35 to 38 grams of carbohydrates

10 to 20 grams of protein, depending on the variety of bean

10 grams of fiber

less than a gram of fat

Other nutrients: iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, B vitamins, some calcium and folic acid.

VEGETABLE OIL: A good source of calories used in cooking and also mixed into some foods.

One tablespoon provides:

120 calories

14 grams of fat

Other nutrients: trace amount of vitamin E.

SUGAR: (Also a good calorie source)

One tablespoon provides:

45 calories

12 grams of carbohydrates

Jane E. Allen