Teff: what it is, properties and benefits of a nutritious cereal
The quinoa It is probably one of the cereals whose consumption has increased in a certainly surprising way in our country, especially with the increase of people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, and that above all, they opt for a much more conscious type of food.
It is, as you surely know, a food similar to cereals in terms of its nutritional composition, but nevertheless belongs to the family of spinach.
However, did you know that today there is another food that is just as nutritious and similar, which in many media has come to be known as the "new quinoa"? It is known by the name of teff, it comes directly from Africa, specifically from Ethiopia, and today we want to talk to you about its authentic, wonderful, nutritious foods.
What is teff?
With the name of teff we are facing a wonderful cereal Cultivated originally in Ethiopia, one of the poorest countries in the world. In fact, the teff has become for years the basis of the food of the Ethiopian people, especially for its high amount of nutrients. It is estimated that in this country it has been cultivated for more than 5,000 years.
Not in vain, its cultivation is very common in this country because it is easily maintained in arid areas, being able to survive in regions with little water. In addition, with little care and little maintenance is common to grow quickly.
But that it is certainly a humble cereal does not mean that it is not rich in essential nutrients, virtues and properties.
It consists of a dark brown small grain cereal. In Ethiopia it is common for seeds or teff grains to be crushed in order to obtain a kind of flour. With this flour the traditional "Ingera" is made, a typical pancake with which the delicious thick stew known by the name of "wat" or "wot" is accompanied.
The nutritious benefits of teff
As we told you on a previous occasion, the teff stands out for being a tremendously nutritious food. Next we talk about your nutritional wealth. Sure it will surprise you.
High fiber content
It is estimated that 100 grams of teff contribute around 8 grams of fiber. So, it is a food with a high fiber content. We must emphasize that this fiber is easily digestible. In addition, thanks to its high quantity in starch, its slow ingestion helps to stimulate the intestinal flora in the same way that a probiotic would.
Its regular consumption is useful in case of constipation, thanks precisely to its content and contribution in fiber, being adequate to improve intestinal transit.
Contribution of complex carbohydrates
The complex carbohydrates they are carbohydrates also known as slow absorption, which means that they are carbohydrates that are absorbed little by little, slowly.
This offers many advantages from a nutritional point of view, since it is a food that provides energy slowly, besides being interesting for people with type 2 diabetes by helping to control blood sugar levels, not causing the typical glucose peaks they do cause foods rich in simple carbohydrates (or fast absorption).
Very rich in essential amino acids and calcium
Teff provides an interesting amount of proteins, around 13 grams per 100 grams of food. Further, It has 8 essential amino acids, which consist of essential protein components for the proper functioning of our body.
We must remember that an amino acid is considered as "essential" when our body is not able to synthesize it by itself, its contribution being necessary through the diet.
In this sense, teff also stands out for its contribution in lysine, an amino acid that we usually do not usually find in other cereals, and that is important in the absorption of calcium. To this quality is also added his contribution in calcium, which nutritionally is considered excellent.
In fact, it is estimated that 100 grams of teff contribute around 170 grams of calcium.
Low fat content
It is an ideal cereal in any type of diet and also in slimming diets, given that its contribution in fat is above all very low. Not in vain, 100 grams of teff provide just 2.1 grams of fat, highlighting in turn the presence of polyunsaturated fats.
Does not have gluten
It's a gluten-free cereal, so it is a food suitable for people with celiac disease or who suffer some kind of wheat intolerance. 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
