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Is it Time to Get Freekeh in Your Diet?

Why is it that when we suddenly hear about a new “superfood”, it turns out that people have been eating it for thousands of years? 10 years ago, few people in North America were aware of quinoa, but it’s been helping to keep people in the northern Andes healthy for over 4,000 years.

2013 has been a breakout year for freekeh, a variation of which is mentioned in the Bible. But a long history of health benefits and being a grain (or at least grain-like in the case of quinoa) are where the similarities between the freekeh and quinoa end.

First, the pronunciation of freekeh is almost phonetic – freek-uh – so you’ll have no trouble telling the grocer what you want.

More importantly, freekeh is not a separate species, but the result of a process of drying and roasting prematurely picked grain.

It’s the early harvest that scientists give as the reason for freekeh’s higher levels of protein, fibre and minerals. Drying and roasting gives freekeh its unique flavour.

What’s So Good About Freekeh?

There’s not much that isn’t good and freekeh compares favourably to quinoa in many ways:

  • Fibre – This is where freekeh really excels with over double the dietary fibre of quinoa. The extra fibre promotes weight loss and helps your digestive system stay healthy.
  • Calories – Freekeh has fewer calories than either quinoa, farro or brown rice, so you can eat more and get even more benefit from its fibre.
  • Protein – Freekeh wins again with 6 grams of protein versus 5.5 grams for quinoa, based on a 42 gram serving.
  • Glycemic Index – Freekeh can help battle diabetes with a glycemic index that is lower than most grains and similar to quinoa.

But quinoa trumps freekeh in at least one area that’s currently a big concern for many healthy eaters. Unlike quinoa, freekeh is not gluten-free, which makes it unsuitable for celiac and wheat allergy sufferers.

Freekeh gives us all another option for foods that are healthier and that help us manage our weight better. To learn more about how to take advantage of everything freekeh has to offer talk to your local nutrition counselor.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, stop by, call, or email your Herbal One centre and our qualified counsellors will be happy to give you tips and some great ideas that will help reach your weight loss goals.

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