Spelled: benefit and harm. What is healthier - porridge or cereal? What is spelt, does it have special benefits or unusual harm
Thanks to a closer study of the beneficial properties of certain products, many people have a great opportunity to review their diet, replacing, for example, harmful cereals with safer analogues. How a prime example, for changing wheat came less calorie, tastier and better digestible spelt is one of the oldest cultivated crops on the planet. Being wild version modern cultivated wheat, this cereal has its own characteristics, because of which it was unfairly forgotten.
Spelled - what is it and where can I buy it?
Spelled is the progenitor of wheat, a valuable agricultural crop, which was forgotten for a long time due to some difficulties with its processing. The fact is that spelled has a thick, tight-fitting skin that reliably protects the grain from insects, bacteria and mold. To get rid of the outer shell, you have to long and painstakingly clean it mechanically. As a result, part of the beneficial vitamins and minerals.
In the 1980s, spelt returned to store shelves, where it can be found under names such as spelled, two-grain, kammut or emmer. fans healthy eating immediately fell in love with this type of cereal for unique composition, delicate nutty taste and ease of preparation.
How to choose a good product?
Spelled can be bought in a store or ordered online, it is important to choose quality product which will really help. The fact is that now at the peak of the popularity of cereals fast food. Such a product is absolutely useless for health, moreover, due to the presence, it can lead to obesity.
Spelled, which requires long-term cooking, should be golden in color, free of impurities and scales, and also packed in sealed packaging with an appropriate expiration date.
Useful and medicinal properties of spelled
Regular consumption of spelt:
- reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis;
- protects the body from cardiovascular risk factors;
- reduces the level of cholesterol and lipoproteins;
- removes toxins and toxins from the body;
- improves blood circulation;
- improves metabolism;
- reduces the risk of type II diabetes;
- prevents the formation of stones in the gallbladder;
- reduces the risk of developing asthma in children;
- protects women from breast cancer;
- helps protect the body from ischemic stroke, diabetes and obesity;
- improves hormonal levels;
- contribute to the development of bone tissue;
- stimulates the body's defense mechanisms.
With such extensive positive properties, this plant is valued as reliable source balanced substances necessary for life. If you regularly eat porridge from this cereal for breakfast, then the work of the heart and blood vessels will improve in the body, as well as the state of the endocrine, digestive and reproductive systems s.
The chemical composition and calorie content of spelled
Unlike most cereals, spelled contains more squirrel, how carbohydrates, so it does not have such a high calorie content (127 kcal / 100 g). At the same time, the greatest value for health is cellulose. Dietary fiber helps to normalize the functioning of the digestive tract, accelerating the absorption of nutrients and helping to reduce unpleasant symptoms such as constipation, bloating, cramps, and colitis.
The energy value:
Spelled contains an impressive amount of useful vitamins, among which nicotinic acid and thiamine are especially useful. A nicotinic acid plays important role in correct work adrenal glands, in particular positive influence for the production of sex hormones. Thiamine is known to be important for immune system. In addition, this vitamin stimulates the body's defense mechanisms, and also reduces the feeling of stress and anxiety.
| vitamins | Quantity in 100 g/mg |
| 0,103 | |
| 0,03 | |
| 0,08 | |
| 13 mcg | |
| 0,26 | |
| 2,57 |
For greater benefit, some people use sprouted spelt grains instead of porridge. Thanks to sprouting, new unique properties of spelt are revealed, including improved absorption of vitamins and minerals.
What is useful spelled for weight loss
The unique balanced composition of spelled has a positive effect on the harmony of the figure. For example, vitamin B6 promotes better digestibility of fats. Cellulose, due to which regular bowel cleansing occurs, improves metabolism. In addition, the fibers, when ingested, swell and saturate faster, blocking overeating. Finally, as part of spelled, they are absorbed more slowly, thereby reducing the feeling of hunger. Extra pounds are not especially terrible for those who consume spelled porridge in the morning. This dietary product energizes, gives strength, reduces hunger and enhances concentration. Therefore, this dish is often recommended in various meal plans. During a diet that includes spelled, you can easily get rid of extra pounds without harm to health.
Application in medical and healthy nutrition
Other names for spelt are “gift of ancestors” or “black caviar”. Due to the wide range of components that make up its composition, this cereal is recommended to be used by almost everyone: nuts or, but others are also obtained from it. delicious food. Since spelled practically does not boil soft, ready meals come out grain by grain.
Spelled can boil, fry, bake, stew, grind into flour and make bread out of it. This cereal is perfect for making soups, salads, casseroles, sauces, it is added to and, and desserts are also prepared on its basis. Stuffed cabbage rolls and spelled pilaf are especially delicious.
In addition, spelled is used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology. On its basis, make a body scrub and face masks.
Product storage features
Spelled for a long time retains its useful qualities, if you put it in a closed container and place it in the refrigerator, and not on the shelves. At the same time, it is not recommended to leave cereals near strong-smelling foods, since the grains quickly absorb extraneous flavors and become unsuitable for consumption.
Harm and contraindications
Despite all these beneficial features, spelled contains - an allergen that negatively affects the condition of people sick celiac disease. If there are symptoms of this disease, then it is enough to choose another safer alternative.
Spelled is recommended for those who wish health to their body and adhere to a healthy diet. This cereal has a lot of useful properties, is tasty and unpretentious in cooking, and is also dietically safe. What spelled dishes have you tried to cook?
If in ancient times the spelled plant was considered very valuable and was widely used for culinary purposes, now it has been undeservedly forgotten, and spelled porridges are prepared only by adherents of a healthy diet. Meanwhile, spelled groats have a lot of useful properties and regular inclusion of it in the diet could solve a lot of health problems.
About what spelled looks like, and how it is useful for the body, is described in this material.
What spelled looks like and the benefits of spelled groats
Spelled species (Triticum spelta L.) include all types of hulled wheat, but they have a different set of chromosomes:
- wild two-grain (Triticum dicoccoides);
- single-tailed einkorn (Triticum boeoticum);
- two-tailed einkorn (Triticum thaoudar); Urartu wheat (Triticum urarthu);
- einkorn, odnodernik, orkish, half spelled (Triticum monococcum); dvusernyanka, wheat
- two-grain, European spelled, asli, emmer (Triticum dicoccon (Schrank) Schubl.));
- Volga wheat, Volga dvuzernyanka, Volga spelled (Triticum volgense (Flaksb.) Nevski));
- macha wheat (Triticum macha);
- Timofeev's wheat (Triticum timofeevi).
Part Used: Grains Harvest Time: August.
Description of the spelled plant: family Bluegrass (Grass) (Poaceae). An annual herb. The leaf arrangement is alternate. The leaves are simple, lanceolate or linear, sessile, the edge is smooth, the attachment is vaginal, articulation is absent. Inflorescence - ear. The flowers are small. Perianth inconspicuous.
As you can see in the photo, the fruit of spelled is a dry grain:
2-3 spelled grains in an ear are protected from pests, adverse external influences and moisture loss by a dense layer of a hard inedible film (chaff). Spelled grains are larger than wheat grains. Coloring with shades of yellow. Blooms in June. Fruits in August.
Main characteristics: spelled differs from wheat in grain with non-threshing films, ear resistance, unpretentiousness, early maturity, most species are resistant to fungal diseases.
Spreading: Spelled was a widespread crop in the Mediterranean. Grown in Babylon Ancient Egypt, later in Turkey, Armenia, and other places. In Russia, spelled was cultivated in the Volga-Kama region, where spelled was grown mainly by the entire peoples, the Chuvash, Bashkirs, Tatars and Udmurts. In the Caucasus, it was cultivated by Armenians, Khevsurs and Ossetians. In Russia, only spring spelled was grown.
These photos show what a spelled plant looks like:
Parts of the plant used: grain, leaf. Spelled is significantly superior to wheat in terms of the content of vegetable protein, unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, iron and vitamins of group B. Gluten protein, which is very rich in spelled grain, contains 18 essential amino acids, necessary for the body person. The mucopolysaccharides contained in the spelled grain play an important role in the formation of immunity. The leaf contains the flavonoid tricine, an antioxidant, estrogenic, antitumor (leukemia) substance. All biochemical components contained in spelled, due to their high solubility, are more easily and quickly absorbed by the human body compared to beneficial substances wheat grains.
Collection: the leaf is harvested in June - early July, dried in a well-ventilated area. Shelf life - 1 year. The grain is harvested in August, threshed for food, threshing is not needed for medicinal purposes. Store in a dry dark room. Shelf life - 3 years.
Growing: 5-6 full-fledged spikelets grow from one spelled bush Strong spikelets do not break from strong wind and rain, and do not crumble when ripe. It is necessary to sow winter spelled after the rains, from the end of August until October 15 (depending on the region), the grain placement depth is 5 cm, in the aisle - 30 cm. Spelled chemicals are not used, if pesticides are used nearby, then the spelled simply will not spike . For getting good harvest, in the previous year for planting, it is recommended to sow legumes in this place, and preferably phacelia.
A drought-resistant plant, so the hotter, the better for spelled. Harvesting starts in July - early August next year, but it should be borne in mind that the winter hardiness of spelled is insufficient for Russian winters.
Spring spelled is sown at the same time as ordinary spring wheat, it must gain moisture and sprout normally (in middle lane Russia in late April - early May, harvesting - in August - early September). It does not require watering and maintenance; at normal planting density, all weeds in spelled die on their own. Very hard glumes enclosing the grain make standard combine threshing difficult, resulting in a lot of broken or uncleaned grain. It is necessary to reconfigure the mechanisms during threshing or use special threshers.
See how spelled groats look like in these photos:
Application: regular consumption of spelled helps to strengthen immunity, normalize blood sugar levels, improve the functioning of the cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous, digestive and reproductive systems, strengthen bone tissue, normalize metabolic processes. Another useful property of spelt is a reduction in the risk of developing anemia, infectious and oncological diseases.
And how useful is spelled cereal for people suffering from celiac disease (allergy to gluten (gluten) - a protein of wheat, rye, oats and barley), and children? The gluten of spelled grains, in most cases, does not cause allergies. Many doctors recommend starting complementary foods early age namely spelled groats, not semolina. This statement applies to a greater extent to wild spelled.
In addition, spelled has a high content dietary fiber, under the influence of which the secretion of intestinal glands is enhanced, peristalsis is stimulated, and the digestion process is significantly improved.
Fiber polysaccharides markedly lower cholesterol levels. Spelled also has the ability to remove carcinogens from the body.
Economic purpose: valuable food crop.
Since ancient times, spelt has been cultivated in Russia along with other grain crops and was available to low-income segments of the population, was included in the diet of farm laborers and peasants. Recall the tale of A.S. Pushkin "The Tale of the Priest and his Worker Balda", where Balda ate spelled for his labors, and the priest received a forehead for his greed.
The useful properties of spelled cereals are so great that now it is considered to be fashionable and expensive. organic product premium food. Producers attribute its high cost to low yields and difficulty in threshing. But, as always, in premium goods, the basis of the cost is fashion, advertising, packaging and listing the mass of product advantages that are not always justified. But still, the benefits of spelled for the body are difficult to overestimate.
Spelled groats have a very high quality, and the baking properties of spelled flour are low, so it is most often not used for baking bread or wheat flour is added.
Recipes for porridge, medicinal and cosmetic products from spelled
Recipes for porridge and medicinal products from spelled:
- Spelled porridge: 1 cup spelt, 2 cups water, 80-100 g butter, salt to taste. Everything is laid in an ant pot and put in the oven for 1-1.5 hours. The porridge is served hot. If desired, you can add sugar, dried fruits, dried or fried mushrooms. When adding dried fruits and dried mushrooms, slightly increase the amount of water.
Look at the photo, what does spelled porridge look like, cooked according to this recipe:
- Spelled cough flour: 2 teaspoons spelled flour and honey, 1 raw egg yolk and 1 tablespoon butter. Thoroughly grind the yolks with honey, mix first with flour, then with butter. Take 1 teaspoon an unlimited number of times a day until the cough goes away. Store in the refrigerator in a glass container. Before removing the yolk from the egg, it must be moistened and rubbed with soda, let it lie for 2-3 minutes and rinse cold water(prevention of salmonellosis).
- Spelled flour for diarrhea: 2 tablespoons of flour, 200 ml of boiling water, 2 teaspoons of honey (dose for 1 dose). Fry flour in a dry frying pan, pour boiling water, mix thoroughly, add honey. Eat porridge warm.
- Tincture: 20 g of leaves of dizernyanka per 200 ml of vodka, insist 14 days in a dark place, shaking occasionally, filter. Take 20-25 drops 3 times a day as a general tonic.
- Vinegar tincture: Grind 2 tablespoons of unpeeled spelled grains, pour 3% vinegar and boil for 15 minutes over low heat. Apply on the nails affected by the fungus, in the form of applications.
Contraindications: individual intolerance.
- Use with caution in irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, enterocolitis, persistent diarrhea, and better than porridge not eat at all.
Recipes cosmetics from spelled:
- lifting mask: mix 1 tablespoon spelled flour, 1 egg, 1 dessert spoon of sour cream (fat according to skin type). Apply the mass on the face and décolleté area, the duration of the procedure is 20 minutes, rinse with warm water. Course - 3 times a week for 1 month.
- body scrub: finely grind spelled grains and coffee beans in equal amounts by weight (using a coffee grinder), lightly moisten with kefir (juice, water, milk, etc.). Apply with light circular massaging movements on the skin, rinse with warm water.
Contraindications: not systematized.
Spelled is a grain that is a subspecies of wheat. It is similar to her appearance and composition. However, spelled is covered with a tougher husk and contains more nutrients than wheat. Due to its beneficial properties, it is known as a medicine.
Spelled can be used in the form whole grains, which resembles rice, or make flour from it, which is sometimes replaced with wheat. Bread, pasta, cookies, crackers, cakes, muffins, pancakes and waffles are made from such flour.
The composition and calorie content of spelled
Like most whole grains, spelled is a rich source of fiber and carbohydrates. It contains protein, vitamins and minerals.
Consider chemical composition spelled, presented as a percentage of daily allowance person.
Vitamins:
- B3 - 34%;
- B1 - 24%;
- B5 - 11%;
- B6 - 11%;
- B9 - 11%.
Minerals:
Calorie spelled - 338 kcal per 100 gr.
The composition and structure of spelt make it a healthy product. It has a positive effect on work and condition. internal organs and also normalizes the work of individual body systems.
For muscles and bones
Spelled - source important minerals which are essential for bone health. These include zinc, magnesium, copper, phosphorus and selenium. These minerals form bone tissue and also prevent the development of osteoporosis and other age-related problems that weaken bones.
Phosphorus in combination with the protein in spelled is useful for the development and growth of new tissues, muscles and bones.
For the heart and blood vessels
Fiber in spelt reduces the amount dangerous cholesterol in the body. It prevents the absorption of cholesterol from food. In addition, fiber reduces the risk of developing hypertension.
The high levels of iron and copper in spelt increase blood circulation. They are important in the production of red blood cells and ensure the saturation of organs and tissues with oxygen. Iron helps the body prevent anemia.
For the brain and nerves
Spelled is one of the few cereals that boast high levels of B vitamins. Thiamine or vitamin B1 boosts the immune system and reduces stress and anxiety. Riboflavin or vitamin B2 reduces the frequency of migraine attacks.
For the gastrointestinal tract
Spelled has the most high level content compared to other varieties of wheat, so it is useful for normalizing the work digestive system. Fiber improves intestinal motility, prevents constipation, helps relieve bloating, gas, cramps and diarrhea, and heals intestinal ulcers.
High fiber foods are important in weight loss. Their use helps to maintain healthy weight, as they provide a long feeling of satiety, preventing overeating and making difficult diets easier to endure.
For kidneys and bladder
The benefit of insoluble fiber in spelled is not only to improve bowel function. Spelled prevents the formation of kidney stones and regulates the urinary system.
For hormones
Niacin or vitamin B3, which is found in spelt, is important in the work of the adrenal glands, which produce sex hormones.
For immunity
The beneficial properties of spelt help maintain a healthy immune system. Thiamine in spelt enhances the immune system, helping to fight viruses and infections.
Spelled in diabetes
Despite the fact that the carbohydrates rich in spelt are dangerous for patients with diabetes, the fiber in cereals will help fight the effects of diabetes. Spelled groats slow down digestion and reduce blood sugar spikes. By controlling the release of insulin and glucose in the body, it helps manage or prevent the symptoms of diabetes in those who already have the disease.
How to cook spelled
Spelled is consumed in the form of whole grains or flour. If you decide to cook spelled in the form of cereals, follow the recommendations that will help you get not only tasty, but also nutritious dish.
- Before you start cooking spelled, it must be washed under running water and soaked for at least 6 hours. The ratio of water to grain should be 3:1. Add some salt to the water.
- Put the pan with spelled on the stove, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour until the grains are soft.
Spelled in the form of cereals is often used as a substitute for rice. It can be used as a separate side dish, added to risotto or stews, as well as other stews.
Spelled is the ancestor of other cereal crops, the semi-wild parent of modern wheat. She has retained her original unique properties, since she is not prone to crossing with other species.
Currently, this grain crop has many names, such as two-grain, spelled, emmer, kamut and others. The spikes have a reddish-red tint. The taste of cereals with pleasant sweetish-nutty notes.
Resistant to various contaminants and radiation, which cannot be said about the more common types of wheat.
Spelled is considered an environmentally friendly product, because it does not tolerate the presence in the soil chemical compounds and mineral fertilizers. Therefore, it does not contain harmful nitrates and carcinogens.
Because of the unique beneficial properties, spelled is called "black caviar of cereals", or "a gift of ancestors."
Spell contains wide range components. By the presence of vitamins and microelements, spelled is ahead of modern wheat.
It is possible to single out a high content of vegetable protein - up to 37%, a number of B, PP and E vitamins, 18 amino acids, trace elements (iron, phosphorus, copper, potassium, calcium, etc.). All these compounds are contained not only in the core of each grain, but also in its shell.
Indications for use
This variety of cereal crops is advised to be used by people:
- with a weakened immune system;
- prone to overweight and obese patients;
- the elderly;
- suffering from frequent, including acute, respiratory diseases;
- with diabetes;
- with constant mental and physical activity and chronic overwork, fatigue;
- in case of violation normal operation intestines;
- with high blood pressure;
- during pregnancy.
What's the use
Thanks to the wide variety necessary for a person components of the use of spelled dishes contributes to:
- normalization of the intestines;
- stabilization of psychological balance;
- restoration of energy losses during physical and emotional stress;
- getting rid of anemia;
- prevention of oncological diseases;
- normalization in the work of the endocrine and cardiovascular systems;
- increase the elasticity of the skin;
- stabilization of blood pressure;
- restoration reproductive function in men and women;
- reducing the development of atherosclerosis by lowering the level of cholesterol in the blood;
- minimizing the risks of developing infectious diseases;
- improvement general condition organism, prevention of stress, depression, chronic malaise;
- lowering blood sugar levels;
- increase concentration, visual acuity, improve memory;
- removal of toxins from the body.
Spelled dishes do not provoke the occurrence and development of celiac disease - an allergy to gluten, which is part of other cereals (barley, oats, wheat, rye).
In dietetics
Diets based on spelled dishes have proven themselves well. Due to the slow absorption of carbohydrates, the feeling of satiety is maintained for a long time, and the presence of B vitamins in the composition contributes to the correct and regular absorption of fats, which is especially important in the fight against excess weight. At the same time, work is being digestive tract, toxins are removed from the body, cholesterol levels are reduced.
In cosmetology
With regular consumption of products from the mew grain, the complexion improves, the nails are strengthened, the hair structure is restored.
Spelled flour is added to various ointments and cream, getting excellent facilities skin and hair care. To clean the skin and rejuvenate it, they use crushed cereal without additives and impurities - this is a good and, most importantly, natural scrub.
Culinary Help
Currently, spelled dishes are gaining popularity. An important role in this was played by nutritionists, who claim the incomparable benefits of cereals.
Various soups and cereals, creams and sauces are prepared from it, added to side dishes for meat and fish. Since spelled has wonderful taste properties, it is also used for making desserts, included in salads, used instead of rice when cooking pilaf and cabbage rolls. Spelled stuffed and stewed vegetables, used in conjunction with other cereals.
From the grains, high-quality flour is obtained, which, unfortunately, is rarely used in bread baking - the finished bread turns out to be tough and quickly stale.
The most popular among spelled dishes was porridge. It is traditionally prepared with water or milk. This porridge plays an important role in children's diet. For kids, various fruits, berries and nuts are added to the recipe.
How to choose
In the store you can find products with various titles- spelled, two-grain, kamut, emmer, spelt - but it should be remembered that this is one and the same cereal. The groats should be golden in color, clean, without scales. When buying, you need to pay attention to the expiration date, production date and tightness of the package.
When choosing - an advantage for coarse grinding. You should not opt for instant products - such spelled has already passed the stage of heat treatment and has lost some of its useful qualities. In addition, these cereals often include various nutritional supplements, including synthetic vitamins, flavorings and flavor enhancers.
The subtleties of storage
Groats used to be put into bags and stored in dry, dark rooms. Today it is recommended to place it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The maximum storage period is a little more than six months. Further, spelled gradually begins to lose its useful properties and excellent taste.
Recipes
Traditional porridge on the water
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cereals;
- 1 liter of water (or 4 glasses);
- butter;
- salt and sugar to taste.
- The cereal should be washed under running water in a large deep bowl. You need to do this until the water becomes clear. Drain the water.
- Pour the required amount of fresh liquid into the cooking container. When it boils, gradually pour in the washed cereal. Cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- At the end of cooking, salt, add sugar to taste.
It is necessary to use porridge in a warm form, before serving, adding a piece of butter to a plate. The porridge turns out to be rich, with a wonderful creamy-nutty taste.
Porridge with fruit for a multicooker
Ingredients:
- half a kilo of spelled groats;
- 1/2 l of milk;
- a small amount of berries and fruits;
- vanilla sugar.
- Pour into the container of the multicooker warm milk and add cereal.
- Set the "Porridge" mode for half an hour.
- Sprinkle the finished dish with vanilla sugar.
- Arrange on a plate, forming a well in the center.
- Using a blender, bring fruits and berries to a smooth consistency. Put the resulting mass into a previously formed recess.
The treat is ready!
Garnish for meat dishes in a slow cooker
Ingredients:
- half a kilo of spelled groats;
- a glass of walnuts;
- half a kilo of mushrooms (preferably champignons);
- 1.5 liters of light beef broth;
- 1 carrot;
- 1 head of onion;
- butter;
- salt and pepper as desired.
- Cut carrots, mushrooms and onions into small strips. Chop nuts finely.
- Grease the container of the multicooker with oil.
- Put on the bottom, observing the order: onions, carrots, mushrooms, nuts. Salt and pepper.
- Set the mode "Frying" for ten minutes.
- 5. Pour in meat broth, add grits.
- 6. Switch to "Extinguishing" for half an hour.
Garnish is ready!
Before cooking dishes from spelled groats, it is advised to pre-soak it in water or milk. This is necessary so that during cooking it does not stick together and is crumbly.
Spelled has earned all kinds of praise for its useful qualities, unique composition and unusual taste. It is recommended to anyone who adheres to the principles of healthy eating in everyday life.