What Are The Properties And Benefits Of Kamut?
We are going to talk about kamut in this article. What is it and then what are the properties and benefits of kamut? Kamut or khorasan wheat, is a grain that was grown in Africa many years ago and is gradually making its way into the western diet.
This is because of the health benefits it brings and the number of nutrients it has. It is therefore a very attractive option to replace wheat. It is important to note that the position of experts (Spanish link) regarding the consumption of many grains has changed in recent times.
They no longer consider certain foods like wheat a good option, due to the high degree of sophistication. Instead, whole grain varieties with no added sugars, including kamut, are gaining ground.
The differences between kamut and common wheat
Kamut and wheat share certain uses. For example, both can be the main ingredient of pasta. However, the differences are remarkable. Most importantly, the former is a much larger grain, although it is much easier to digest.
One of the main differences between the two is that kamut has a higher protein contribution, which is 15 grams of protein per 100 grams. It’s important to remember that these nutrients are essential for good muscle health, according to research in the journal Nutrients.
At the same time, kamut contains a greater amount of vitamins, of which vitamin A stands out. This nutrient has been proven to have a positive impact on visual health, reducing the risk of developing macular pathologies.
In terms of carbohydrates, wheat and kamut show no significant differences. Except, however, that kamut itself generates a lower glycemic peak. Keep in mind that wheat is usually consumed in a highly refined manner, which is not good for blood sugar levels.
In general, people consume a lot of highly refined wheat, which is why nutritionists are more and more inclined to recommend kamut in the diet.
The properties and benefits of kamut
Below we will then discuss the properties and benefits of kamut in more detail when you include it in a healthy and balanced diet.
It delivers high-quality energy
Carbohydrates are essential, especially in an athlete’s diet. They manage to provide the energy needed to initiate an anaerobic metabolism, responsible for maximum effort.
In the case of sedentary people, the need for carbohydrates is lower. However, you can still include them in your diet without harming health. To achieve this goal, you need to determine the amounts needed and choose those carbohydrates with a low glycemic index.
It improves gut health
Kamut stands out for its fiber content. This substance is essential for promoting intestinal health. It can even prevent episodes of constipation, according to an essay published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. And at the same time, it reduces the risk of colon cancer.
The need to include both soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet is important to keep in mind. Kamut is a good source of the latter, so it can supplement what comes from other grains, such as oats, which have beta-glucans in their composition.
Benefits of kamut: it is an antioxidant
Kamut’s antioxidant power comes from its vitamin A content. As we mentioned, this nutrient is able to protect visual health and also fight inflammation or the formation of free radicals.
For example, a good supply of this micronutrient is associated with a lower risk of developing liver disease. You can read more about it in this article published in Nutrition and Health.
It contributes to the control of cholesterol
We have mentioned on other occasions that diet has a limited influence on serum cholesterol levels. However, it is also true that fiber plays a role when it comes to adjusting the lipid profile. Kamut can lower total cholesterol in this sense, although not significantly.
However, keep in mind that keeping cholesterol too low is not good for your health. Science is starting to debunk the myth that lipid profile alone is a good marker for cardiovascular disease unless you have extremely high levels of lipoproteins.
Benefits of Kamut: It Improves Immune Function
Among the micronutrients that kamut contains, we must specially mention zinc. This mineral can regulate the production of testosterone in men and ensure the proper functioning of the immune system. By including the right doses of zinc in your daily diet, you reduce the risk of infectious diseases.
However, despite its benefits, you should keep in mind that kamut contains gluten in its composition. It is therefore not suitable for people with celiac disease, gluten allergies or gluten intolerance, just like regular wheat. However, it is not advisable to eliminate gluten from your diet unless a medical professional advises you to.
How to use kamut in the kitchen
You can use kamut just like any other grain, by boiling it in water. Make sure to wash it before putting it in the pan. After cooking for as long as the package states, the kamut grains are soft and ready to use as a side dish or as the main ingredient of a salad.
You can also buy kamut flour for making pasta or bread. However, recipes with this ingredient have a certain complexity related to the fermentation capacity of this flour.
Kamut: an increasingly popular grain
Due to its nutritional properties, kamut is gaining popularity in Western cuisine. Its regular consumption provides health benefits far greater than those of common wheat, which stands out for its high degree of sophistication.
Kamut also has the advantage of being very easy to prepare. It can be served with almost any protein-rich food, such as rice or quinoa. It also combines very well with vegetables. We recommend that you try it and make it a regular part of your diet!
