Kamut or khorasan wheat: what it is, benefits and nutritional properties
Although much less known than the common wheat, with name of kamut We found a wonderful cereal that was already cultivated in Ancient Egypt around 5,000 years ago. It is more popularly known by the name of the brand with which this old variety is sold ( Khorasan wheat), and today stands out above all for growing ecologically in the United States. In fact, having not undergone hybridization, it is considered a tremendously pure hard wheat, very rich in essential nutrients.
In the kitchen it is used mainly in the preparation of pasta and semolina, among which noodles, macaroni, spaghetti and spirals. It is also used in the preparation of the popular and delicious couscous or bulgur, and is ideal in vegetarian diets where it surprises for its qualities as a whole grain cereal.
However, It is not a cereal suitable for people with celiac disease because it contains gluten. Its flavor is generally sweet, soft and slightly buttery. Of course, for those who follow a diet of thinning their consumption would not be so advised, mainly because we must take into account that it contributes about twice as much fat as in wheat. However, its nutritional wealth make it a very nutritious and ideal food within a healthy, varied and balanced diet.
The nutritional benefits of kamut
High content of vitamins
From a nutritional point of view the kamut or wheat khorasan surprises for its high content of vitamins, especially highlighting its wealth in Group B vitamins, which as you surely know will allow our body to take better advantage of carbohydrates, producing energy through food, keeping our nervous system in good condition and actively intervening in both growth and cell division.
We must mention its contribution in vitamins B1, B2 and B3, in addition to vitamin E.
Interesting presence of minerals and trace elements
In addition to vitamins the kamut also contributes a good amount of minerals and oligoelements. Among these we can mention the following: iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and selenium.
Rich in healthy fats
Although kamut contributes twice as much fat as common wheat, did you know that it is extremely rich in good quality fats? In fact, 100 grams of kamut contribute almost 3 grams of fat, compared to ordinary wheat that contributes only 2 grams.
Excellent intake of carbohydrates and proteins
Who said that kamut can not provide only carbohydrates? It also provides good quality proteins, although this time it is in smaller quantity if we compare them with carbohydrates.
For example, 100 grams of kamut contribute 67 gr. of carbohydrates and 18 gr. of proteins, lower amount of carbohydrates compared to common wheat, but greater protein contribution.
The properties of khortan kamut or wheat
Incredible benefits for colon health
The kamut is the best whole grain for the care and protection of the colon, thanks to the fact that it helps to alleviate and reduce the symptoms of pathologies and diseases that affect this important organ.
For example, a scientific study found that a regular consumption of kamut helps improve symptoms associated with irritable bowel, among which are gas, diarrhea and abdominal distension.
A very energetic cereal
The kamut is a tremendously energetic cereal, ideal to give us energy when we need it most. Why? Fundamentally for its high content in fats, carbohydrates and vitamins of group B.
About its caloric content, 100 grams of kamut contribute around 360 calories, barely a little more than those provided by common wheat (349 calories).
Much more digestive
It is true that wheat is a cereal that some people tend not to digest well, even without celiac disease, so that every time they eat a pasta dish then they suffer from indigestion, heavy digestion and gas.
The kamut surprises precisely because of its greater digestibility, which means that it is better tolerated by those people who do not tolerate wheat well, because it is a much purer cereal.
Helps lower cholesterol and triglycerides
The kamut provides interesting amounts of natural antioxidants, which means it's very useful when it comes to reduce high levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides. Moreover, according to some scientific studies, it helps to improve other markers of cardiovascular health related. This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesCereal Foods