Teff- Superfood and nutritional powerhouse that you should include in your diet

It's not uncommon to hear about a fine grain, which is about the size of a poppy seed, known as Teff from health and fitness enthusiasts. With a colour that varies from white to dark brown, this versatile grain has a slightly nutty taste. Packed with nutrients, it is a great source of vegan protein, fibre, and slow-digesting carbs.

Image Courtesy- www.teffco.com 

Originating in Ethiopia, have you heard of Teff- the new superfood and nutritional powerhouse? Let’s explore more about this superfood that can be consumed as a whole grain or ground into some flour.

Is teff gluten free?

Gluten is found in wheat and other grains like barley and rye. Diarrhea, irritation and constipation are common symptoms of gluten intolerance. The anti-inflammatory properties of teff set it apart from other refined grains and makes it a great gluten free choice to add to your daily diet!

Is teff the healthiest grain?

Ethiopian food teff is being hailed as one of the healthiest grains to include in your diet. Furthermore, the presence of iron, magnesium, and trace minerals aids in the development of endurance in athletes. Teff, in fact, contains more calcium than millets and oatmeal.

In addition, the low glycemic index of this vegan protein source helps to avoid blood sugar spikes. Incorporating teff into your daily diet also aids in the maintenance of a healthy body weight and colon health.

Does teff help in reliving IBS symptoms?

If followed religiously, the low food map diet is scientifically proven to help relieve IBS symptoms. The diet is used as a diagnostic tool to identify food trigger points. Introducing foods that fall under the low food map umbrella can aid in the reduction of pesky IBS symptoms. Teff, like buckwheat, polenta, oats, and quinoa, is a grain with a low food map.

How Do I Include Teff in My Diet?

Teff is a versatile grain that is simple to incorporate into your diet. Its nutty flavour complements savoury dishes such as stir fries, soups, stews, and porridges. In addition, for healthier alternatives to traditional bakery items, try making pancakes, cakes, and cookies with the flour. However, because of its gluten-free properties, making bread with teff shall requires some practice.

How Do I Cook Teff?

Some people recommend soaking the grain for about 10 minutes to soften it. This process is also thought to convert phytic acid in grain to phosphate. In fact, phosphate is extremely beneficial to people who have digestive issues.

To cook teff, add 2 cups of water for each cup of the grain to a large pan and bring to a boil. Add some salt if you like the taste. Stir in the teff and mix. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, covered, until water is absorbed. Let it cool for 10 minutes before fluffing it up with a fork.

Although available only in specialty stores, teff in India is slowly gaining popularity. If you love including superfoods in your daily diet, try making a few delicious recipes with this wonder grain. Do let us know in the comments section which one did you try? :)