Spelt

Spelt is a nutrient rich grain, possessing nut like flavor.



It plays an essential role in bread and pasta products and is a cousin of the wheat family. Individuals exhibiting intolerance to wheat does not seem to experience any adverse effect on consumption of spelt. It is a storehouse of many nutrients, such as, niacin, riboflavin, copper and thiamin. This grain proves effective in individuals suffering from migraine and atherosclerosis. Riboflavin in spelt helps in providing relief from headache.



Around 76.5 per cent of the daily value of riboflavin is provided by two ounces of spelt bread or any other spelt products.

Riboflavin is necessary for energy metabolism, thereby proving effective against headache. Being a good source of niacin, spelt, helps in reduction of lipoprotein and cholesterol levels. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol levels by free radicals is prevented by niacin. Aggregation of platelets, result in blood coagulation and this is prevented by niacin.



About 24 per cent of the daily value of niacin is provided by 2 ounces of spelt flour. Fiber that is excreted, binds to the bile salts, thereby decreasing the blood cholesterol levels and its synthesis.

Riboflavin functions as a cofactor FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide). This helps in the breakdown of homocysteine. Raised homocysteine levels result in increasing the probability of atherosclerosis. The risk of bronchial hyper responsiveness is reduced. Spelt is a good source of magnesium, which aids as a cofactor. It helps in synthesis of enzymes, required for insulin secretion. Fiber rich foods help in decreasing the risk of gall stones. The effect completely depends on the dose of fiber intake. They decrease the lipid profile and the synthesis of bile acids. Whole grain supplementation, such as spelt is beneficial in decreasing the probability of cancer in post menopausal women. Pre-menopausal women on 13 grams fiber per day is at a decreased probability of breast cancer. Fruits also exhibit the same function, owing to the fiber content.
 
Whole grain consumption, such as that of spelt, in any of the commercially available forms is beneficial against asthma. Research reveals the correlation between fish and whole grains consumption and incidence of wheezing.  Lignans are phytonutrients present in spelt.



They are converted to mammalian lignans by the intestinal flora. One of the synthesized lignan is the enterolactone. Research reveals the presence of this lignan in women consuming whole grains. This helps in protecting individuals form breast and other related cancers.