If regular bread and grains leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable, you might be tempted to give up grains altogether. However, there is one ancient grain that won’t leave you feeling bad and it also offers some great health benefits. Here’s a little info on spelt–the grain that’s good for your gut.
An ancient grain
Spelt’s been around for a long time–around 8000 years. It’s closely related to wheat and has been used in cooking and baking for thousands of years. At one time, spelt was used pretty much the same way wheat is used today, but with the adoption of wheat as a favourite grain, most countries stopped growing spelt. Today, it’s making a comeback.
Great grain for digestive health
Spelt can be used pretty much like any other bread flour, but it has one unique property–it doesn’t bloat you like wheat does. It is also very high in fiber, which can help battle digestive issues such as constipation, gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
If eating other grains leaves you feeling uncomfortable, try eating bread or baked goods made with spelt instead. It’s high in protein as well as fiber, iron, and even B6, so it provides plenty of energy for your body to use. Plus, it can keep you feeling full for longer.
Other health benefits
Because it’s high in fiber, spelt can help lower your cholesterol and improve your overall heart health when it’s consumed as part of a heart-healthy diet. It can also improve circulation, thanks to the high levels of iron and copper in the grain.
The high levels of niacin in spelt may help regulate hormones, particularly sex hormones. It’s also beneficial for bone health, thanks to the multitude of minerals like magnesium, zinc, and copper found in the grain. It has also shown some promise in helping to regulate insulin levels, which could mean that it may be beneficial in helping to control diabetes.
Find spelt at your local grocery or health food store and see for yourself how it compares to other grains.