What is Spelt?
Spelt is an ancient grain which was cultivated by earlier civilizations such as Mesopotamia in the Middle East around 9000 years ago. In Britain it is first known to have existed as a main crop in 2000 BCE.
It fell out of favour in medieval times and then had a brief revival in the 19th century but was out of fashion again in the 20th century as crops producing higher yields took over.
It’s a cross between Emmer Wheat and Goats Grass and has a distinctive, naturally nutty flavour. Unlike common wheat, spelt has not been hybridised or chemically altered, and it remains as simple and hardy as it was when it was first introduced.
Why do we love it?
With more and more consumers switching to vegetarian and vegan lifestyles and with one in six people in the UK suffering from wheat intolerance, consumers are becoming increasingly health conscious and are seeking spelt as a simple and effective alternative. There are many health benefits to be gained by simply switching from traditional wheat to spelt as spelt is truly a wholegrain and a good source of nutrients.
We’ve listed the key health benefits below so you can understand why spelt is increasing in popularity as a tasty and healthy ingredient:
High in Fibre
Spelt is high in fibre which is important for lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. Foods with a high fibre content pass through the gut more quickly and research shows that a faster transit time (how long it takes for the food to travel through the digestive tract) is an important factor in the prevention of bowel cancer.
Source of Protein
The protein content of the spelt we produce at Sharpham is between 11 and 15 per cent, depending on the growing season and the weather conditions. These proteins contain all of the nine essential amino acids needed by the human body to repair and build cells. The molecular structure of the protein in spelt is both brittle and soluble, allowing it to be digested more easily.
Excellent Source of Iron
Iron helps to preserve many vital functions in the body, including general energy and concentration, as well as oxygen to blood cells and gastrointestinal processes, the immune system, and the regulation of body temperature. The benefits of iron often go unnoticed until a person is deficient. Iron deficiency anaemia can cause fatigue, heart palpitations, pale skin, and breathlessness.
Rich in Micronutrients
Including magnesium, which is important for activating muscles and nerves and creating energy in the body. Potassium which is vital to help nerves communicate and manganese, phytoestrogens and lignans.
Source of Vitamins
It’s high in B vitamins which help break down and release energy from food, keep nerves and muscle tissue healthy as well as the skin, digestive system and eyes. Spelt also contains vitamin E which helps to protect the cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Slow Release Energy
The structure of the long chain molecules in the spelt grain are important because they help your body digest the grain slowly. Wholegrain spelt has a medium GI (‘glycaemic index’: the effect a food has on blood glucose levels). More and more people are avoiding high-GI carbs found in refined foods, which cause glucose ‘spikes’ to hit your bloodstream increasing the risk of developing health problems including type-2 diabetes. It is thought that spelt may help improve insulin sensitivity, so that your body needs lower levels of the hormone to balance blood glucose levels.
Low Glycaemic index
Spelt has a Glycemic Index of 54, which is low and means it produces only small fluctuations in our blood sugar levels. It can also reduce the risk of insulin resistance which can lead to diabetes.
Beats the Bloat
Everyday bloating, usually caused by wind and water retention can make you feel self-conscious and your clothes tight and uncomfortable. Once you’ve ruled out food intolerances or more serious gastrointestinal conditions as the cause, making the choice of spelt rather than wheat can help you banish the bloat forever. It seems sensitive digestive systems find spelt is more easily tolerated than those varieties of modern wheat that have been bred to contain a high gluten content for the production of high-volume baked goods. This could be because spelt has a more fragile gluten structure, which is easier to digest as it is more water soluble.
Can Make You Happier!!
Recently, scientists have confirmed what naturopaths have been suggesting for years: that your gut ‘brain’, the enteric nervous system, is innately linked to your immune system, and that your digestive health can have a direct effect on your emotional state.Patients suffering from IBS or other digestive disorders can also suffer from anxiety and depression. I am a firm believer that keeping your tummy happy can help keep you happy too, and as spelt can aid with digestion and bloating, it could be the perfect prescription.
