Looking for a grain that won’t spike your blood-sugars or leave your stomach rumbling? We’ve got just the thing for you. Freekeh is a criminally underrated whole grain with all of the essentials for a satiating meal, not to mention the whole-body benefits that come with it. Here are the top 3 benefits of this powerhouse.
There’s nothing freaky about freekeh – quite the opposite! This grain has been enjoyed for centuries, and for good reason. It’s a roasted green wheat with origins in the Middle East, and is a staple food in North Africa and Levantine regions, having just recently begun making waves in the West. So, what's the big deal with freekeh? Well, for starters, it packs an impressive dose of nutrients and has a nutty, smoky flavour that adds depth to any dish. How do you eat it? Well, simply add it to dishes where you might use rice or other grains – it goes deliciously with curries, soups and even salads. It's a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and pilafs.
So, next time you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen, give freekeh a try - your taste buds (and your body) will thank you! Here’s why.
Impressive nutrient-density
Freekeh is loaded with fibre and protein, but it also packs a good dose of minerals like manganese and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health. Magnesium is also abundant in freekeh, and this nutrient helps us regulate our blood-sugar levels, maintain healthy blood pressure and keep our nerves in check. That’s why you might notice yourself experiencing more cramps when you’re low in magnesium, so swapping your white rice for freekeh is a simple way to prevent deficiency. Just one cup of freekeh packs over 50% of our daily needs for this nutrient, making it a quick and easy solution for those of you struggling to get your magnesium in.
Boosts digestion
Freekeh is loaded with fibre to help digestion and bowel movement regularity – a half-cup of the stuff packs 9 grams of the stuff! Keep in mind men need 30 grams and women need 25 grams a day, so that takes us well on our way to achieving that goal. Research shows that fibre improves stool consistency and reduces constipation, so it’s no surprise that people report healthier bowel movements with the inclusion of freekeh in their diet.
Protects heart health
As we mentioned above, freekeh is loaded with manganese, and this nutrient is known for its antioxidant properties. This means it can reduce inflammation and lower our risk for developing heart disease. It’s no secret that whole grains are associated with a lower risk for heart disease, but it’s particularly significant that freekeh checks the boxes for so many of these risk-reducing factors – from high manganese and magnesium to fibre, all of which reduce inflammation and stabilise high blood-pressure. Those last two elements are important here as they’re major risk factors for heart disease, and getting them under control is the first step to getting your health under control.
Whether you’re looking to eat healthier or fight off a sugar addiction, we’re here to help. Join us for the 8-Week Program and we’ll help you change the way you look at food – and that doesn’t mean you have to follow restrictive diets or miss out on your favourite foods; we believe you can still enjoy delicious food without jeopardising your health. You might even consider gifting your mum with the program! With celebrity chef Sarah Glover on our panel of experts, you’ll have an array of fun recipes at your fingertips, along with our own exclusive armoury of simple, tasty and healthy recipes for everything from daily meals to impressive entertaining. We know it can be hard to stick to your health goals – especially when you’re trying to manage it alone. When you sign up with us, you’ll have access to clear-cut meal plans, community support and exclusive access to our sugar-free content. Here’s what’s on offer:
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