Teff Love: The Health Benefits of Teff
By Sara Butler
For those of you who must maintain a gluten-free lifestyle, teff is a grain you need to get to know. Even if you don't need to go gluten-free, this ancient grain is something you should consider working into your diet. It provides a variety of nutrients and also helps to promote your continued good health. Here's what you need to know about teff and why you should bring it into your kitchen.
Teff: What Is It?
Teff is an ancient grain, a species of grass native to Ethiopia. Teff is used there to make a variety of dishes but is also quite popular in Australia and India -- it's even grown in Kansas and Idaho. Lately, teff has enjoyed a bit of a boon due to the fact that it's naturally gluten-free.
The teff seed is very small but packs quite a nutritional punch. It's full of fiber, calcium, iron, manganese, and protein, as well as several other important vitamins and minerals your body needs. Plus, one cup of cooked teff has only about 250 calories.
The Health Benefits
Teff happens to be incredibly good for your health too. It has been found to:
- Aid in circulation - Teff is full of iron, so it helps your body to produce the hemoglobin it needs to get oxygen-rich blood to all your vital tissues and organs
- Promote a healthy weight - Teff is full of copper which can help to heal the muscles, tissues, and joints in your body to help increase energy and promotes the maintenance of a healthy weight. The fiber in teff also helps to feel fuller for longer.
- Support a healthy immune system - The essential minerals and vitamins in teff, especially B vitamins such as thiamine, helps to keep your immune system strong
- Support healthy bones - Everyone needs calcium-rich foods to help support healthy bones and teff delivers it along with manganese to help your body form new bone
- Aid digestion - Teff is full of fiber and that helps to regulate your digestive system
- Support a healthy heart - Teff can help to naturally reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack since it's rich in Vitamin B6 to help naturally lower blood pressure
Don't be afraid of teff in your diet. Instead, experiment with recipes you can easily find and swap it out for other grains to help make things gluten-free.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Dallas, Tex.