Let’s start here: Spelt is a grain.
If your body cannot tolerate grains, then spelt is certainly something you need to avoid. However, if you do eat grains without digestive distress, then spelt is considered a good grain. It is very important to note that spelt does contain gluten. Anyone with celiac disease should avoid spelt and those with a gluten and/or wheat intolerance should consult with a medical professional before consuming spelt.
Are you wondering why you may not have heard of spelt?
It is an ancient grain — dating back to about 5000 B.C. in what was known as Mesopotamia (now Iran). Spelt was one of the first grains used for bread. It is not a newfangled, new-age food. It’s grown in Europe for over 300 years and was introduced to North America in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Alas, as the Industrial Revolution took hold in the early part of the 20th century and the hybridized version of wheat could be harvested faster and cheaper than other grains, spelt fell out of favor.
Benefits
Spelt has many health benefits and the interests of the health-conscious community brought spelt back into the limelight in the United States and Europe approximately 30-40 years ago. It requires less fertilizer and is more resistant to pests than other forms of wheat thanks to its tough exterior. This toughness also makes it more nutritious. Unlike wheat, spelt has to be mechanically de-hulled and this is done just before being milled into flour, retaining more of its freshness and nutrients. In fact, the majority of spelt’s nutritional value is found in the inner kernel of the grain.
So let’s talk benefits about spelt, the good grain:
One cup of cooked spelt has 10grams of protein, only 1.6 grams of fat (no cholesterol) and 7.5 grams of dietary fiber. Spelt is high in manganese, phosphorus, potassium and niacin. Because it is water soluble, spelt is easier to digest than wheat. And one more thing about spelt: it tastes great!
Have you ever tried spelt? If so, what did you eat? Did you like it?
If you’ve never eaten spelt, are you willing to try something new?
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? Additionally, what are you still working on accepting? Now, we’re talking about resignation, rather stepping into, embraced, and owned.
I’ve accepted that I can’t change others. I work on my own personal growth and development to be the best I can be, and that’s all I can do. I’m still working on accepting that I’m not perfect, but I do appreciate the efforts I make to move forward.
2. What have you learned to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? On the other hand OR in contrast, are there elements of who you are that you’re still working on appreciating?
I’ve learned to appreciate life. Each and every day really is a gift. I do have to remind myself to appreciate each and every moment. Sometimes I can get lost in the drama of what’s going on.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? Tell us not only what makes YOU most proud but also share the goals and dreams that you still have.
I’m proud of my recovery from an eating disorder. It was a lot of work, sometimes painful, but it was so worth it. I want to be on Good Morning America one day, so I can share my story of struggle and help others to find the peace and balance I have found.
4. Of course, we all have imperfections, or so we think. In truth, we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? Likewise, what imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
I have a hard time saying “no” to my friends and colleagues. I really enjoy being with them and I have a tendency to over-extend myself.
“I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well…YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (We assure you!) Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…”
I love my husband. xo
