If you don’t have gluten intolerance or sensitivity, read on. That’s because this article is all about spelt, a type of whole grain that brings an abundance of health benefits. Another incredible thing about spelt is it is one of the oldest cultivated grains on the planet, and it hasn’t changed a bit now that it’s getting a lot of attention!
Possessing a mild nutty and sweet flavor, spelt is regarded as something that’s more nutritious than wheat, a close relative of it. You may be wondering why you haven’t heard of spelt before despite of it being purportedly much better than wheat. Well, that’s because the cultivation of spelt took a backseat in the 19th century when the production of wheat boomed in popularity as it’s easier and cheaper to cultivate. These days, fortunately, spelt is making a well-deserved comeback, obtaining the respect of more and more health-conscious people.
You can purchase de-hulled spelt and cook it just like you would rice, allowing you to include the healthy grain in your everyday diet. There are also lots of food products these days that are out of spelt such as crackers and pastas. Do you love baking healthy goodies? Make your baked masterpieces such as cookies, muffins and cakes even healthier by replacing wheat or all-purpose flour with spelt flour!
Here are some of the reasons why it is a wonderful idea to have spelt included in your diet:
The Healthy Grain Prevents Anemia
There is a kind of anemia that is due to insufficient iron in the diet, hence it’s called iron-deficiency anemia. You can prevent such blood disorder from striking by consuming more iron-rich foods such as spelt. By making this healthy grain a diet staple, you can prevent iron-deficiency anemia without trouble.
Spelt Helps Strengthen Bones
There are a couple of nutrients in spelt that helps keep your bones strong, thus preventing osteoporosis, and they are calcium and phosphorous. We all know that calcium helps make your bones really hard. However, experts say that calcium depends on phosphorous in order for it to be effective in strengthening the bones.
It Promotes a Healthier Digestion
Just like other grains on the planet, spelt is loaded with fiber. It’s no secret that a diet rich in fiber is important for the prevention of constipation. Studies have shown that fiber also helps lower your chance of having colon cancer. Spelt and other fiber-packed foods help you zap excess weight, too.
Consuming It Helps Lower Cholesterol
A diet that’s rich in fiber is not only good for your digestive system and figure, but also your heart. That’s because fiber helps flush out some of the bad cholesterol in food before they get to the blood stream and clog up those blood vessels of yours. Because of this, high blood pressure can be prevented from ruining your life.
It Helps Keep Deadly Heart Disease at Bay
Did you know that the regular consumption of whole grains can reduce your risk of heart disease by as much as 21 percent, according to a study? Experts say that heart disease is the number one cause of death in men and women all over the planet. Including grains like spelt in your diet can help you stay as far away as possible from heart disease.
Spelt Thwarts Sugar Level Spikes
People with diabetes can benefit tremendously from the inclusion of spelt in the diet. That’s because the kind of grain that is gaining popularity these days helps keep the blood sugar levels from spiking, thanks to its impressive fiber content. Spelt is also an excellent source of carbohydrates that isn’t bad for the health.
