Have you heard of Kamut before? Have you tried using it? If yes, then you must have already tried acquiring some of its health benefits. Kamut, a type of ancient grain used in a variety of dishes, may be healthy substitute for modern wheat. Kamut is oozing with so many essential nutrients. Give this article a read and learn more about this amazing grain!
Kamut: What Is It?
Kamut, as we have already stated, is a kind of ancient wheat grain. It was also called the Khorasan wheat or the Oriental wheat, after the region of Khorasan located in what is now called Iran and Afghanistan, where it was first cultivated. Discussion around the potential medicinal uses and side effects of the wheat has grown in recent years, as his its overall popularity.
Kamut grows annualy, producing grains that are similar in appearance to wheat kernels, but twice the size. Kamut kernels actually have a rich, buttery, nutty flavor. Furthermore, they are also richer in vitamins, minerals, proteins and healthy fats than the standard wheat.
Intensive farming, industrial revolutions and genetic engineering over the past two centuries have actually made modern flour cheap and easy to produce. Nevertheless, the end product may lack the nutritional content found in older grain forms like kamut. Moreover, changes in wheat production over the years are also believed to be responsible for the rise in gluten intolerance. Even though it is still considered a specialist grain, interest in kamut is increasing.
Nutritional Content of Kamut
One of the major reasons for the recent increase in the popularity of Kamut is the dense nutrients it may provide to a regular diet. Here is what kamut contains:
| Principles | Amount |
| Water | 65.18 grams |
| Energy | 132 KCal |
| Protein | 5.71 grams |
| Total Fats | 0.83 grams |
| Carbohydrate | 27.6 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 grams |
| Sugars | 3.07 grams |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium | 9 milligrams |
| Iron | 1.76 milligrams |
| Magnesium | 48 milligrams |
| Phosphorus | 147 milligrams |
| Potassium | 164 milligrams |
| Sodium | 8 milligrams |
| Zinc | 1.84 milligrams |
| Vitamins | |
| Thiamin | 0.095 milligrams |
| Riboflavin | 0.03 milligrams |
| Niacin | 2.305 milligrams |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.07 milligrams |
| Folate | 11 micrograms |
| Vitamin A | 4 international units |
| Vitamin E | 0.24 milligrams |
Health Benefits of Kamut
Here are some of the most interesting health benefits of kamut:
- Aids in bone health. A cup of kamut may help provide about 80 milligrams of magnesium. This particular mineral is important in maintaining strong bones, as well as preventing of the early onset of osteoporosis.
- Helps boost immunity. Kamut is a great source of zinc, which is essential in boosting immunity and maintaining thyroid health. By aiding in the production of white blood cells, kamut helps improve the body’s reaction time to seek out and neutralize infections or foreign substances.
- Helps prevent colon cancer. This is one of the best health benefits of kamut. The fiber in it is helps maintain a well-functioning digestive system. Furthermore, various studies suggest that whole grains are effective in preventing colon cancer.
- Helps support a hormonal balance. The manganese and selenium content of kamut is a major player in the body’s hormone production. The selenium is beneficial in producing thyroid hormones, and the manganese is important in processing sex hormones.
- Helps protect against free radicals. Kamut has antioxidant minerals in it like selenium and manganese. These are essential in protecting the body against the effects of free radicals, which may cause genetic mutations and cellular damage.
- Helps lower cholesterol levels. As a great source of protein, kamut is beneficial in keeping cholesterol levels low and energy levels high. It does this more effectively than simple carbohydrates.
How to Consume Kamut
Kamut can be valuable in many forms, including couscous and flour. Furthermore, it can also be added to baked goods, pasta and bread, as well as countless other recipes. Be sure to rinse and drench it overnight before cooking it.
How to Store Kamut
You should store kamut in a sealed container in a dark, cool area. You can also keep it fresh for a long period of time by storing it in the refrigerator. Nevertheless, be aware that kamut is absorptive and might soak up extra moisture. It may also smell, unless you seal it in an airtight container.
