If you have an intolerance or allergy to wheat, you may be
interested in these 6 alternative grains. These grains were all used thousands
of years ago in traditional diets. Many people are developing celiac disease
and bowel problems due to the overuse of unfermented wheat in processed foods.
Now these gluten-free Teff grain are becoming popular again.
• Amaranth-This staple food of the Aztecs has been around
for 8,000 years. Nutrient rich in iron, protein and calcium and it imparts a
nutty or malty taste. Soak overnight in warm water with 2 tablespoons of yogurt
or whey. Simmer for a porridge dish or combine with quinoa or other grains for
a casserole dish. You can even pop it like popcorn!
• Quinoa-This grain also comes to us from South America. It
is an excellent food for nursing mothers as it stimulates breast milk. It is
rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus and B vitamins. Soak in warm water overnight
with 2 tablespoons of yoghurt or whey. Cook as a gruel or in your favorite
casserole dish. Use in place of rice for stir fry.
• Teff-An African grain, it is rich in iron, magnesium,
boron, copper, phosphorus and zinc. Teff is traditionally made into a flatbread
called injera. Teff is soaked in water for a few days to ferment. This is
similar to the process used for sourdough bread. It is poured onto a hot pan
and cooked like a large thin pancake.
• Millet-Not just for the birds, millet is another grain
from Africa, it was also used to make injera, although Teff was used more
often. It is rich in manganese, phosphorus and magnesium. Millet is rich in
nutrients for protecting the heart and repairing damaged tissue. Soak overnight
in warm water with 2 tablespoons yogurt or whey, then cook as a porridge. You
can also use it in place of rice or potatoes in your favorite recipes.
• Buckwheat-Buckwheat is not related to wheat at all, but
actually the rhubarb plant. Buckwheat can help lower high blood pressure,
control your blood sugar and decrease your risk of diabetes. It has
traditionally been used to make buckwheat pancakes. Soak overnight with yogurt
or whey in warm water. Or sprout the buckwheat groats and dehydrate them to
make kasha.
• Rice-Rice has been used by traditional cultures for
thousands of years. Wild rice was used by Native Americans. Brown rice
originated in Asia. Brown rice is the whole rice kernel. White rice is the
brown rice stripped and polished of its nutrient dense covering. Brown rice is
rich in B vitamins-the highest of all grains. Brown rice can be soaked
overnight or steamed for a few hours in rich broth to neutralize any phytic
acid.
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