Ancient Grains List
Here is a
comprehensive Ancient grains list; they are called ancient grains because they
are original grains that have remained the same over the past hundreds of
years, without modification, cross breeding, hybridization or agribusiness.
Ancient grains are becoming easier to find
online or in your local health food stores or in the international foods part
of your grocery store, so make sure you add them to your shopping list as they
are more nutritious and delicious.
Ancient grains contain minerals and vitamins
that are not commonly found in genetically modified grains they contain high
amounts of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, magnesium and
even copper.
Amaranth
Amaranth
is a true grain which is gluten free and contains 13-14% of protein which is
very high for a grain as well as a high amount of phosphorus, potassium, iron,
magnesium and more than three times the average amount of calcium which is
great for bone and joint care. Amaranth also contains vitamin c which is not
commonly found in grains.
Barley
Barley
is a rich source of fiber which helps prevent a number of health
conditions. Barley binds and keeps you regular and protects your intestines and lowers cholesterol. The fiber in barley keeps your blood sugar a level down which is ideal for people with diabetes. Barley is a good source of niacin, a vitamin B that helps protect cardiovascular disease.
Many studies have been made on the health benefits of barley and protect and prevention of many diseases like type 2 diabetes, postmenopausal breast cancer, gallstones, childhood asthma, arthritis and many more health problems.
conditions. Barley binds and keeps you regular and protects your intestines and lowers cholesterol. The fiber in barley keeps your blood sugar a level down which is ideal for people with diabetes. Barley is a good source of niacin, a vitamin B that helps protect cardiovascular disease.
Many studies have been made on the health benefits of barley and protect and prevention of many diseases like type 2 diabetes, postmenopausal breast cancer, gallstones, childhood asthma, arthritis and many more health problems.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat
is actually part of the rhubarb and knotweed family as its seeds are eaten
because of their carbohydrate benefits. Buckwheat is another gluten free source
of food and has a high amino acid content and is a very rich source of soluble
and insoluble fiber. Buckwheat has a high concentration of copper and
magnesium.
Bulgur is a
naturally high-fiber, low-fat, low-calorie vegetarian and very common vegan
food ingredient. Bulgur has a good source of iron, vitamin B. You can toss uncooked
bulgur into soup, stew or chili and simmer until it’s soft. Or make a sweet
salad with carrots, raisins and pineapple.
Chia
Chia
seeds are becoming so much easier to find in your local grocery store, they
contain Omega 3 fatty acids and are also high in anti oxidants, they are a very
high quality protein and gluten free. They are a source of thiamine, niacin and
riboflavin and also high in fiber, so there are many reasons to add this to
your smoothie or salad daily.
Einkorn
is slowly being reintroduced into the diet; it is a hearty wheat with high
levels of protein, minerals, essential fatty acids and some vitamins like beta
carotene.
Farro
Farro
is one of those super grains, it is also known as Emmer. It has an earthy,
nutty flavor and has a high amount of fiber and nutrients like vitamin B3 and
zinc, and studies have shown that it can help reduce the risk of type 2
diabetes, asthma, heart disease, carotid arteries and also helps with weight
control and lowers blood pressure. It is wonderful in soups and stews
Freekeh is
high in protein and fiber and low in carbohydrates, this is not gluten free. It has
a smoky, nutty flavor with a firm, chewy texture.
Freekeh is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin both of which have been positively associated with prevention of age-related macular degeneration.
Freekeh is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin both of which have been positively associated with prevention of age-related macular degeneration.
Kamut
Kamut
has a higher protein level with many minerals like selenium, zinc and
magnesium. Kamut has a great taste, texture and nutritional values.
Studies have shown that Kamut reduced cholesterol and blood sugar levels as well as reduces inflammation.
Studies have shown that Kamut reduced cholesterol and blood sugar levels as well as reduces inflammation.
Millet
has a mild flavor and is a combination of several different small seeded grains
and it is often fed to birds. It is also a gluten free grain that has more
flavors if it is toasted before cooking.
Millet is high in magnesium and anti oxidants and good for controlling inflammation and diabetes. Millet helps to reduce weight, lower cholesterol and is good for digestion.
Millet is high in magnesium and anti oxidants and good for controlling inflammation and diabetes. Millet helps to reduce weight, lower cholesterol and is good for digestion.
Quinoa
is the “Mother of all grains”, it is packed full of folate, protein and healthy
fats and is often used in gluten free diets.
Studies have shown it helps protect the stomach cancer. It comes in a variety of colors, black, white and red.
Studies have shown it helps protect the stomach cancer. It comes in a variety of colors, black, white and red.
Sorghum
is also gluten free and for those of you with celiac disease it is easy to add
to your daily diet. Sorghum is rich in fiber and also high in anti oxidant
which helps lower the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and some
neurological diseases.
Sorghum promotes healthy digestion and boosts your immune system.
Sorghum promotes healthy digestion and boosts your immune system.
Spelt
Spelt
does contain a little gluten but has a sweeter nutty flavor; it is much higher
in protein and has nearly 58% carbohydrates which is a good source of vitamin
B6, high in vitamin B2, iron, niacin, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus.
Teff
is commonly used in Ethiopia and India. It is eaten in its whole form as the
kernel is very small. It has a sweet flavor and is gluten free, contains a
great source of vitamin C.
It has proven to benefit colon health as well as weight management.
It has proven to benefit colon health as well as weight management.