Health Benefits of Ancient Grains

Ancient grains are a great addition to a healthy diet and the gluten-free ones can help people with gluten allergies and sensitivities.

If you are looking for a flavor of grain that isn’t whole wheat, you may want to consider other grains that have health benefits along with being a bit different from the norm. These grains, considered “ancient” because of the long standard of use they have been known for, carry with them many health benefits that are often times forgotten. Whether you are looking for something new, trying to find a health option that is organic rather than pharmaceutical in nature, or whether you are just looking for a different take on an old recipe, these ancient grains may be of interest to you.

Barley is one such grain. It contains many nutrients your body needs, including selenium and manganese, but it also contains a good portion of fiber. It is said to have a nut-like taste, and is chewy. Often it is added to soups, but when cooked, it works well with vegetables. Flour made from barley can make unique bread or other bakery items.

Another item you might try if you want a grain other than wheat flour is amaranth. Amaranth is a small seed that contains calcium, protein, and iron, and has a malt-like flavor. It is considered to be a substitute for wheat flour.

Another wheat flour alternative is rye, which is used often in bread. Like most of the other ancient grains, rye contains many minerals that the human body needs to run smoothly, but it also may be particularly useful for people with diabetes.

Buckwheat is another type of ancient grain. It is similar to the rhubarb, and it is actually a fruit seed. It can be used instead of rice, and is particularly known for making buckwheat pancakes. Its health benefits include avoiding high blood pressure and sugar along with making diabetes less likely to show up.

Another grain that is not as popular as it might be is Quinoa. It is rich in protein, and related to leafy greens. It also contains many other minerals that are beneficial to your health, and may be able to help relieve migraines, prevent gallstones from forming, and protect your heart.

Some ancient grains are also gluten-free. These include buckwheat, quinoa and amaranth. Eating these types of grains are particularly good for someone who has an allergy to gluten or suffers from celiac disease, a condition that can be made worse by eating grains containing gluten. If you would like to learn more about how to remove gluten from your diet, read the article “Gluten-Free Diet”.

There are many healthy options when you want an organic food base, and you don’t necessarily need medical drugs in order to improve your body’s health. Try one of these ancient grains if you’re looking for a spin-off of traditional wheat, and you may be pleasantly surprised.

Other Related Posts and Articles you May Find Interesting: “Adding Whole Grains to Your Diet”, “Gluten Allergy May Cause Weight Gain” and “Foods that Stabilize Blood Sugar”.