Swap rice, wheat with 12 traditional grains; see the difference in ONE year
Are you concerned that you'll have to live on brownish oats and wheat to avoid gluten for the rest of your life? Not all popular and nutritious substitutes for white rice or spaghetti are as simple as this. For many years, the majority of the world's population has consumed naturally healthy foods.
What exactly is a ‘traditional grain’? These are plants that have survived the commercial harvesting of current crops such as rice, wheat, and maize.
Traditional grains are abundant in vitamins and fiber, making them one of the most recent and beneficial superfoods! They are nutrient-dense, and yet their rustic tastes and abrasive qualities have encouraged many gourmet cooks to experiment with them. They're also less complicated to cook at home than macaroni or plain rice.
Substitute rice and wheat for these traditional, out-of-the-ordinary grains to spice up your dinner while still delivering essential nutrients. You'll see a difference in a matter of months!
Amaranth
A gluten-free pseudo-cereal with a unique protein content different from any other cereals that have been cultivated in South Asia since 4000 BC. It is also the only grain containing vitamin C and lysine (an essential amino acid lacking in most grains).
· Bhutanese Red Rice
Bhutanese Red Rice, reddish Himalayan heritage rice, has been produced for thousands of years in the fertile soil of the Paro Valley. Minerals (magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, and phosphorus) in the glacier water-irrigated soil provide the natural crimson hue in this nutrient-rich grain. Chefs will enjoy this gluten-free culinary hero's quick preparation time and solid and earthy tastes.
· Buckwheat
Buckwheat has been around for over 9,000 years, and it was one of the earliest crops grown by early American colonists. Buckwheat, as the name implies, is a pyramid-shaped fruit seed, not wheat. It is gluten-free, heart-healthy, and high in soluble fiber, essential for blood sugar control.
· Chak Hao
Permitted rice, also known as chak hao, is a rare and nutritious grain that shares many health benefits with blueberries, grapes, and acai berries. It is now grown in northeast India (especially Manipur), China, and Southeast Asia. When cooked, chak hao takes on a vivid purple color. Manipuri black rice kheer is a delicious dessert made with this heart-healthy rice.
· Chia
Chia seeds have been prized by the Aztecs for generations and are a typical food in Central American countries. Chia seeds are the next best thing to quinoa since they are high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Chia seeds, like tapioca, gelatinize when soaked in liquid, making them ideal as a gluten-free binder or as a topping for a delightful vegan pudding.
· Fonio
Fonio is West Africa's oldest grain, and it is claimed to be drought-resistant and high in amino acids. Despite being the smallest grain in the millet family with over 2000 grains per gram, it is gluten-free and mineral-rich. Fonio is a good choice for people with diabetes since it slows digestion and aids with blood sugar regulation.
· Freekeh
Young wheat that has been gathered while it is still green is known as Freekeh. Because of its nutritional advantages, it has long been a staple in many Mediterranean countries. It tastes smoky, nutty, and chewy. Unlike other grains, freekeh has a significant amount of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals while also having a low glycaemic index.
· Khorasan wheat
Khorasan, a distant relative of modern durum wheat, is said to have originated in Mesopotamia. In Turkey, the grain is known as ‘Prophet's Wheat’ or ‘Camel's Tooth’ due to its shape. They are twice the size of wheat kernels and have a creamy flavor. Khorasan is a natural alternative to modern wheat products since it is high in protein and minerals.
· Job's Tears
This traditional grain is a plump, chewy East Asian grain named after the form of a teardrop. They are also known as hato mugi (Chinese barley rice) and coix seeds. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine and beverages. This item works well in soups and salads because of its high fiber content and somewhat nutty flavor.
· Millets
Millet is a genus of small seed grains in the Poaceae grass family. This gluten-free grain is high in nutrients. Millet is a versatile grain that can be used in making porridge, mashed potatoes, or rice. In addition to bread and dough, it may be ground into flour.
· Spelt
This sweet-tasting and crisp grain was a medieval staple before becoming an excellent nutritional mainstay in Central Europe and northern Spain. It is enriched with iron, vitamin A, and heart-healthy Niacin since it is more complex than regular husks. It is simpler to digest than wheat because of its lower gluten level.
· Teff
Around 150 times smaller than a single wheat kernel, Teff has been used for thousands of years in Ethiopia. When crushed into flour, it is used to make injera, an Ethiopian staple. Teff is a whole grain that cannot be husked. And so the same comes packed with more nutrients. Teff is a fiber-rich grain with a sweet, molasses-like taste used to produce a delicious gluten-free thickener.