Teff (Eragrostis tef) is a fine grain, about the size of a poppy
seed that comes in a variety of colours, from white and red to dark
brown. Teff grows predominantly in Ethiopia and Eritrea, and thrives
even in difficult climates.
You can use teff as both a grain and a flour. Tip: You can mix teff in with other whole grains, or use it as a replacement for rice, pasta or couscous. Teff can make a good breakfast option too.
Flours that have been used for thousands of
years often come with a number of health benefits that give us a little
something extra that standard modern wheat flour can't.
Teff flour, a gluten-free ancient grain,
native to Ethiopia and the surrounding region, is no exception, and
people are really catching on. In fact, this flour was one of the most
popular flours of 2017. So, if you’re interested in cooking with this
tasty, hearty grain, here are some of the health benefits you might want
to know about.
Teff flour is a gluten-free flour, which
makes it a great option for people with Celiac disease and other gluten
sensitivities. Even if you’re able to tolerate gluten, you might find
that teff flour is easier on your digestive system. Gluten-containing
foods, while perfectly fine for those without sensitivities, create a
low-level state of inflammation when eaten due to the difficulty the
body has processing them.
It’s Packed with Calcium, Helping to Reduce
PMS Symptoms
Calcium is an important nutrient for bone health, but did you know that
it can also help relieve PMS symptoms? A number of studies have
suggested that women who take calcium supplements have lower incidences
of severe PMS symptoms than those who do not.
Did you know that teff flour contains five
times as much fiber as wheat flour? Just one ounce of teff flour
contains about five grams of fiber, compared to all-purpose wheat flour
which only contains 1 gram.
Fiber is beneficial for good health, as it moves through the digestive
tract and helps to clear out accumulated waste, toxins, and foods. It
promotes digestive regularity as well as nutrient absorption, making it a
vital component of a healthy diet.
It Can Help You Lose Weight
Speaking of fiber, did you know that is also one of the most important
building blocks of any weight loss program? While low-fat diets help
people lose weight with lots of fiber from whole grains, low-carb diets
also include plenty of fiber in the shape of vegetables. No matter what
camp you’re in, there’s no denying that fiber is a crucial part of
weight loss.
In fact, a research paper published in the Annals of Internal Medicine
found that making only one dietary change – increasing the amount of
fiber in your diet – can result in significant weight loss.
Therefore, teff flour’s high fiber content can be a great way to boost
your efforts if you want to lose weight. The combination of the grain’s
fiber content, gluten-free nature, and plentiful calcium make it an
all-around great choice for good health.
How you can use Teff
How you can use Teff
A 1:1 ratio of teff
to liquid keeps the seeds intact and al dente, perfect for use as a
sprinkle on top of oatmeal, muffins, soup, steamed vegetables, or just
about anywhere you want.