Wheat is an extremely important agricultural commodity. It provides many health benefits, and contributes to a large portion of grain foods around the world. Wheat is very versatile, and has many different commercial uses. It is also very beneficial to the American economy, and is essential to maintaining an export advantage over other nations. Overall, wheat provides a lot for us in both concrete and abstract ways. Many people are unaware of just how much wheat means to our country and world as a whole.

First, let’s look at the health benefits of wheat. For example, the whole grains contained in wheat boost energy and metabolism. The carbohydrates and proteins contained in wheat contribute to higher energy levels. The consumption of whole grains result in a significantly more healthy body weight in comparison to those who consumed refined grains. This can help people avoid type 2 diabetes, as well as obesity issues.Wheat is high in fiber and rich in magnesium, meaning it can help control blood sugar levels, as well as keep one’s digestive system operating properly. Whole wheat products are also rich in minerals, which help to maintain and regulate internal bodily functions.
Besides food, what is wheat useful for? Wheat has special properties, such as elasticity, that makes it useful for other commercial purposes. Wheat can be used to produce paper, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals. Starch derived from wheat strengthens the paper product. Gluten derived from wheat helps to produce capsules that hold pharmaceuticals. Adhesives are created from wheat starch as well.Wheat can even be used to make soap and other hygienic products, as it contains a germ that is rich in vitamin E.

So, what does wheat bring to the table in terms of benefiting the economy? First off, its a staple around the world, and a major type of grain. Since wheat is so versatile, there is often civil unrest when the prices of wheat go up. This is due to the fact that various food and industrial products rely on the production of wheat in some way. Poor economic conditions result in higher food prices, which results in civil unrest. Wheat is also very important to the food security of many first world countries, including the United States and Japan.

It is clear that the production of wheat is a key factor to the general mechanics of the world’s stability. People around the globe rely on wheat for so many different reasons, like food, commercial products, and economic stability. It is also becoming more and more clear that our world is behind the curve on wheat production. In order to keep up with the demand, major exporters all over the world need to increase production. If this does not happen, it could result in major food insecurity and supply issues, starting from poor countries and working its way up into first world countries. We will all feel the negative effects at some point if we do not push agriculture production over building news houses and cities. Wheat is very important, and it’s time the whole world starts seeing it that way.

2023 Scholarship Essay: Natalie Martin

Sources:
http://californiawheat.org/2019/02/25/top-3-reasons-wheat-matters/
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-of-wheat
https://wheatfoundation.org/new-uses-of-wheat-create-new-demand-for-the-industry/
https://www.tradefinanceglobal.com/grains/wheat/
https://www.investmentmonitor.ai/sectors/agribusiness/wheat-price-important-food-security-global-stability