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Couscous Unveiled: Pros and Cons of a Versatile Grain
A Bite-Size Read for Your Health and Your Waistline
I remember, in the height of my dieting days, looking for something that would give me my carb fix without as many calories or “points” as rice or pasta. It was couscous to my rescue.
Now, almost 20 years later, I’m a health coach and have a whole different perspective on this food. Sure, it’s versatile; it’s quick and easy to cook. Yet when it comes to health is it really “better”? Let’s delve into the pros and cons of couscous.
One of the main advantages of couscous is its quick cooking time, typically taking only about 10 minutes to prepare. Additionally, couscous has a neutral flavor, allowing it to absorb the flavors of other ingredients or seasonings added to it. Using stock instead of water can further enhance its taste.
Couscous is often praised for its protein content, providing approximately 6g of protein per serving (1 cup). Compared to some other grains, this isn’t bad. It’s just shy of an ounce of protein, if we were thinking about it like we think of cooked meats. But it certainly wouldn’t be all the protein in your meal, but it’s there. You could add beans or other options to round out the amino acids provided by the meal. Couscous also contains a significant amount of selenium, an essential mineral with antioxidant properties…
