Let's discover the main benefits of spelt in more detail:
Helps fight diabetes - A food with a low glycaemic index, spelt helps keep blood sugar levels at bay and is therefore particularly suitable for those suffering from diabetes and insulin resistance.
Protects the cardiovascular system - While its mineral content, such as iron and phosphorus, makes it an important food for those with anaemia problems related to iron deficiency, its niacin (also known as vitamin PP) content helps lower bad cholesterol levels. Providing sodium and potassium, spelt also acts as a blood pressure regulator.
Defends the nervous and muscular system - Thanks to its richness in magnesium, it helps keep our muscles and nervous system healthy: just 80 grams of spelt is enough to cover almost half of the daily requirement of this mineral.
Prevents certain cancers - Lignans, low molecular weight polyphenols present in spelt, are also said to have a preventive effect on certain cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer.
It is bone-friendly - The presence of copper, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium and selenium in spelt helps prevent certain bone diseases such as osteoporosis in menopausal women.
Beneficial effects on the intestine - Thanks to its extraordinary soluble and insoluble fibre content, spelt is good for the intestine, fighting constipation and regulating intestinal transit. Easy to digest, it combats the onset of stomach acidity.
It is a valuable ally in slimming diets - Its low fat and calorie content and high fibre, water and protein content promote satiety and weight loss.
As for spelt's contraindications and side effects, it should be noted that spelt contains gluten and therefore cannot be consumed by coeliacs or those suffering from gluten intolerance. As it has a laxative effect, it is also not recommended for those suffering from intestinal problems (e.g. chronic colitis). [3]
Properties of spelt [1]
Spelt is a very healthy cereal, with properties that tend to differ between varieties. Containing mainly carbohydrates (about 70 % of its weight), it is also rich in proteins with a high biological value, i.e. made up of all the amino acids essential for the body. Low in fat and rich in fibre, as far as micronutrients are concerned, it is a good source of minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron, and B vitamins (especially vitamins B2 and B3 and folic acid). From an energy point of view, the calories of spelt are comparable to those of other cereals (100 g of spelt provides 353 Kcal).
NUTRITIONAL VALUES PER 100 G SPELT
Water 11.3 g kcal 353
Protein 14,6 g
Fats 2,4 g of which saturated 0,4 g
Carbohydrates 69,3 g of which sugars 2,40 g
Fibre 6.5 g
Phosphorus 387 mg
Potassium 407 mg
Iron 1,9 mg
Zinc 2,6 mg
Magnesium 112 mg
Calcium 35 mg
Folic acid 31 μg
Glycaemic index 40
Cholesterol 0 g
