8 benefits of kamut for health and beauty!
The benefits of kamut you may not be aware of due to its excellent taste, texture, hypoallergenic properties and nutritional value.
The grain does have a confusing and distinguished past, as scholars in the United States, Italy, Canada, Russia, and Israel have examined the beans and come to various conclusions about their identification and origin. It is believed to be the cousin of durum wheat as both belong to the Triticum turgidum family.
Kamut wheat has a rich, buttery flavor. In addition, it is popular for being easily digested. Similar to Bulgarian wheat, it has more protein , vitamins, minerals, lipids and amino acids than common wheat; therefore, it serves as a more nutritious substitute.
In addition, it is an excellent crop for organic farming because it produces high quality wheat without the need for pesticides or artificial fertilizers – this is because this crop has a high tolerance for diverse organic conditions and, similar to other cereals, produces good results. The grains are twice the size of wheat grains and are characterized by a characteristic shape.
Kamut history :
The story of the appearance of this wheat in the USA is interesting. According to stories, kamut grain was found in a pyramid in Egypt and some grains were given to an American airman who was stationed in Portugal around 1949. The airman sent them to his father, a wheat farmer in Montana, and he planted a small amount of the grain.
He had no commercial success with this, and interest in the grain died down until Bob Quinn and Mack, a Montana father and son, decided to grow the old grain in 1977. In 1990, the Quinns registered the protected and cultivated variety of turanicum QK. -77 as the trademark. Today, wheat formerly popular as Khorasan wheat is called kam ut and sold at your health food store.
Kamut Nutritional Values :
The chemical composition of wheat has a clear advantage compared to modern wheat because it has 35% more protein. Kamut is also richer in magnesium, selenium, zinc , magnesium and rich in benefits, as well as many polyphenols and fatty acids . It is popular as a “high energy grain” because of its high percentage of lipids, which provide more energy than refined carbohydrates.
One cup of cooked kamut has approximately:
- 251 calories;
- 2 grams of fat;
- 7 grams of dietary fiber;
- Zero grams of sugar;
- 11 grams of protein;
- 10 milligrams of sodium;
- 52 grams of carbohydrates;
- 96 milligrams of magnesium (24% of DV);
- 4.7 milligrams of niacin (24% of DV);
- 3 milligrams of iron (19% of DV);
- 0.2 milligrams of thiamine (14% of DV);
- 0.14 milligrams of vitamin B6 (7% of DV);
- 20 micrograms of folate (5% of DV);
- 0.05 milligrams of riboflavin or vitamin B2 (3% of DV);
- 0.4 milligrams of copper (21% of DV);
- 3 milligrams of zinc (20% of DV);
- 2 milligrams of manganese (104% of DV);
- 304 milligrams of phosphorus (30% of DV);
- 17 milligrams of calcium (2% of DV).
Health benefits of kamut :
1. Supports Bone Health:
The manganese found in wheat promotes strong, healthy bones. This important mineral aids in reducing bone loss, especially in older women who are more susceptible to fruity and weak bones. As manganese helps in the regularity of hormones and enzymes, it is also involved in bone metabolism .
One study reported that ingesting a combination of calcium , zinc , manganese , and copper helped to decrease spinal bone loss in a group of postmenopausal women. Due to mineral deficiencies, half of all women and a quarter of men over the age of 52 will break a bone due to osteoporosis .
The disease usually develops unnoticed for many years, with no symptoms or discomfort until a fracture occurs. Small holes or weakened areas form in the bone, and this leads to pain and fractures.
Eating foods high in manganese , such as kamut , which has more than 100% of the stated daily value in a cup, is important for keeping bones strong and serves as a natural treatment for osteoporosis and symptoms of bone damage.
2. Helps the digestive system:
As the wheat we are talking about is a food rich in fiber, it helps in the regularity and function of the digestive system. Fibrous carbs like kamut cleanse your system, fill you up and help fight bacteria and toxins as they increase nutrient absorption.
The digestive system works by passing the food consumed through a series of phases. Once it reaches the colon, most of the nutrient absorption has already taken place, but water , fat-soluble vitamins and minerals are absorbed in the colon and are waiting to be excreted.
The level of zinc found in kamut also helps in regulating digestion. Zinc deficiency is linked to diarrheal diseases and chronic digestive problems, so zinc supplementation has been shown to be effective in both the prophylaxis and treatment of diarrhea.
3. Detoxifies the body:
If you experience frequent headaches, bloating , gas, fatigue, muscle aches, skin problems, and bad breath, you may need to detox your liver. Kamut is an excellent source of phosphorus, an essential mineral involved in hundreds of cellular activities every day. Phosphorus-rich foods are important for kidney function and help the body detoxify by eliminating toxins and waste through urine.
In order to balance the levels of sodium, uric acid, water and fat in the body, the kidneys and other digestive organs rely on electrolytes like phosphorus, magnesium and potassium.
4. High source of protein:
Protein makes up the structure of organs, muscles and cells in our bodies; kamut is a high source of protein that helps our bodies in the production of hormones, coenzymes, blood cells and even DNA. The great benefit of consuming protein -rich foods is weight control. Protein increases satiety (or fullness) during meals, causing individuals to eat less.
A 2015 scientific analysis showed that higher-protein meals improved participants’ appetite, body weight control, and cardio-metabolic risk factors. These improvements are believed to be due, in part, to modulations in energy metabolism and energy consumption.
5. Fight the common cold:
The zinc found in Kamut is able to ward off the common cold and symptoms of other illnesses. Studies show that zinc can interfere with the molecular process that causes mucus and bacteria to form in the nasal passages. Ionic zinc , based on its electrical charge, has the intelligence to exert an antiviral effect, binding to receptors on nasal epithelial cells and blocking viral infection.
Another study done in 2013 found that zinc consumption was linked to a significant reduction in the duration of the common cold. The proportion of participants who experienced cold symptoms after seven days of treatment was significantly lower than those in the control group. Additionally, the incidence of developing a cold or taking antibiotics was decreased in participants undergoing zinc treatment .
6. Supports brain health:
The manganese found in Kamut supports cognitive health and helps make khorasan wheat a viable brain food. Did you know that a percentage of the body’s manganese supply exists in the brain ? Because of this, manganese is closely related to cognitive function.
Manganese is released into the synaptic cleft of the brain and affects synaptic neurotransmission, so it’s possible that a deficiency in the mineral could make people more prone to mental illness, mood swings, epilepsy, and even learning disabilities.
One study explains that manganese is essential for normal cell function and metabolism.” Another study looks at that a manganese deficiency can elevate susceptibility to epileptic functions and appears to affect manganese homeostasis in the brain , which is likely followed by altered neural activity. (It is important to note that manganese can have a toxic effect on the brain when consumed in excess.)
7. Balances hormones:
Manganese and zinc are responsible for naturally balancing hormones in the body. In addition, zinc benefits hormonal health and fertility because it plays an important role in hormone production, including naturally increasing testosterone , which plays a large role in women and especially men.
Zinc benefits female sex hormones and is involved in the creation and release of eggs in and out of the ovaries. It is necessary for the production of estrogen and progesterone in women, as they both support reproductive health . When estrogen levels get too high or too low, it causes menstruation problems, infertility, mood swings, and easy menopause, and can even increase your risk of cancer .
A study conducted in Iran analyzed the ability of zinc to treat sexual dysfunction in chronic kidney patients undergoing hemodialysis. In addition, 100 male subjects received a 250 milligram zinc supplement daily for six weeks. As a result of the treatment, testosterone levels increased significantly, suggesting that zinc may help with sexual function in patients suffering from sexual dysfunction.
8. Lowers cholesterol:
Consuming high fiber foods like kamut is effective in lowering cholesterol because fiber helps the digestive system and aids the body in eliminating toxins and unwanted waste. One study compared wheat to semi-whole wheat.
Participants consumed products, including pasta, crackers and bread, made from one of the types of wheat. In addition, after an eight-week consumption period, laboratory analyzes showed that the products may be effective in reducing metabolic risk factors, markers of both oxidative stress and the inflammatory state.
How to use kamut :
Kamut can be purchased online or at your local health food store. In addition, wheat is used similarly to modern wheat and can be added to baked goods, breads, pasta, pancakes, and waffles. It is even used in brewing beer. Kamut is popular for its smooth texture and buttery, nutty flavor.
The quickest way to prepare is to soak the beans overnight. After the beans are soaked, add one cup to three cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil in a large or medium pot. Also, when it is boiling, lower the heat and let it boil for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the beans are soft. If you haven’t soaked the beans overnight, cook them for an hour.
Ways to add kamut to your daily diet:
- Eat beans for breakfast instead of oatmeal. Add fruit, nuts and honey to create a breakfast bowl;
- Also, add beans to soup, stew or on top of a salad;
- Add grains for frying;
- Also, chickpeas as an accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken ;
- Chips as a snack and dip in hummus;
- Also, use flour to make baked goods such as cookies, muffins, and cakes.
Possible side effects:
Kamut wheat is safe to consume in food amounts. Keep in mind that it has gluten. In addition, it is known to have less gluten than whole wheat products and is easier to digest, but if you have a severe gluten intolerance, such as celiac disease , you should avoid its consumption.
If you’ve never used it before, start with small amounts and see how you feel. Also, if you start with nausea, skin irritations, and headaches, you may be allergic to kamut .