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Get Your Freekeh On: A Flavorful Wellness Boost
A Bite-Size Read for Your Health and Waistline
In the world of whole grains and wellness, we often hear about the same ones: wheat, rye, barley, bulgar, and quinoa…but have you heard of freekeh? It’s worthy of your attention and while it might be new to you, it’s not a new crop or innovation. It’s a staple of ancient Middle Eastern cuisine; it’s even mentioned in the Old Testament!
Freekeh comes from durum wheat, which is harvested while still green and immature. The kernels are then roasted, giving the grain a distinct, nutty, smoky flavor. After roasting, the kernels are broken into smaller pieces, so they cook faster.
Why is it worth our attention? Let’s look at what it offers nutritionally. In a 1/4 cup serving (measured uncooked), you’ll get 141 calories, 2g of fat, 24g of carbs, including 4.5g of fiber, and 5g of protein. Freekeh is also packed with important micronutrients. It’s high in manganese, with notable amounts of copper, phosphorus, niacin, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6. With these nutrients, we see a number of health benefits.
Magnesium, for instance, can support quality sleep, healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and nerve health. Copper is essential for various bodily functions, as well. Copper, along with manganese and phosphorus, plays a key role in…
