The health benefits of whole grains are substantial and real. High fiber content, lower sugar levels and minimal chemical additives make whole products substantially healthier than their more processed counterparts. Studies have proven that eating whole grain foods substantially reduces the risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It also aids in weight management, lowering blood pressure and improves oral health.

Thanks to massive advertising campaigns by cereal companies, restaurants and snack manufacturers, nearly every American knows about these benefits. Studies have repeatedly shown the negative health implications of eating America’s best selling breads. Despite this, the vast majority of Americans still buy white bread.

Whether one chooses white or wheat based on health, taste or habit, cost is not a factor. At all sandwich shops, your first choice gives you an identical price. At the grocery store, it is a very similar situation. Comparable loaves with white and wheat options from the same bakery are similarly priced.

The best way to get Oklahomans to buy whole wheat bread is to offer financial incentives. Cash for clunkers, green energy credits and energy efficiency programs have all proven to be highly effective in achieving their goals. The Oklahoma government can use a similar model to encourage consumption of whole wheat bread.

I believe the Oklahoma Legislature should adopt a policy that eliminates sales tax on whole wheat bread products. This policy will encourage Oklahomans to make a healthier bread choice and improve public health and wellbeing.

Adopting this suggestion will tip the bread choice balance toward whole wheat by adding price to the equation. Similar to the California sales tax exemption on unprepared food, this policy will lead consumers to make healthy food choices. The opportunity to save more than 8 percent on bread will motivate many Oklahomans to choose whole wheat for all their bread needs.

Additionally, as demand for whole wheat bread grows, bakeries will offer more products that can be sold as tax exempt. In addition to loaves, whole wheat pitas, challahs, tortillas, bagels, baguettes, lavash, naan and other breads will also enjoy a sales tax free status. This will globalize our bread boxes and enrich our lives.

Many people who oppose this propulsion would argue the lost tax revenues on such a commodity will be huge. After all, bread is a basic, commonly purchased good and as such it generates large amounts of tax revenue. Considering the fact that many states exempt the products of entire industries from sales tax, our cities, counties and state will be able to survive with this lost revenue.

In the long term, our society will save considerable amounts of money thanks to better health. As our nation argues about health care reform, we are ignoring policies that can do the most to improve our health by improving nutrition. Implementing a policy that will encourage the consumption of healthier foods will reduce illness and save hundreds of millions of dollars annually in treatment costs.

Whole wheat breads have substantial health benefits. In order to encourage their consumption, the Oklahoma Legislature should grant a special sales tax exemption to whole wheat breads. As the net price drops, consumption will rise and everyone will benefit.