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Spelt is a variety of wheat that has been returning to favor in recent years. We are more and more willing to reach for it, especially wanting to improve our health. It is widely believed that spelt is more beneficial nutritionally than other grains. The downside, however, is its higher price. So is it really worth reaching for spelt and products made from it? Learn about the health-promoting properties of spelt and find out who gets the most benefits from it.

Spelt - nutritional values

Spelt is an older variety of wheat grain, which differs a lot in nutritional value from the common variety. It has more beneficial components for health, such as protein, unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is a rich source of zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, B vitamins and vitamins A, D and E.

Spelt grain and products made from it also contain significant amounts of carotenoids and phenolic acids, which are antioxidants. These are compounds that neutralize free oxygen radicals, which accelerate the aging process of the body and the development of many dangerous diseases.

Spelt is most often used to prepare flour and products made from it, such as bread, rolls and pasta.

Health-promoting properties of spelt

Spelt has many health benefits, including:

  • has a positive effect on blood cholesterol levels due to the dietary fiber and phytosterols it contains,
  • helps regulate blood pressure,
  • reduces the development of diseases caused by oxidative stress (including degenerative diseases of the brain, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes),
  • thanks to a large amount of dietary fiber, has a low glycemic index, which contributes to the slow absorption of the eaten food and reduces fluctuations in blood glucose,
  • has a beneficial effect on the human immune system
  • reduces the formation of cancer cells
  • insoluble dietary fiber present in whole grain spelt products regulates intestinal peristalsis, thus preventing constipation, shows beneficial effects on other diseases of the digestive system.

Spelt and weight loss

Foods made from spelt are among the products that are also worth consuming during a weight loss diet. The effects in the form of prolonged digestion and improved postprandial glycemia make us feel fuller for longer. This avoids sudden attacks of hunger shortly after a meal, which usually end up in reaching for unhealthy snacks. As a result, we are able to consume fewer calories during the day and find it easier to maintain a healthy diet.

Spelt and celiac disease

People with celiac disease, gluten allergy and gluten intolerance probably wonder whether they can consume spelt. This topic is still under study. However, most current research confirms that spelt has similar proteins to common wheat and therefore cannot be consumed by those suffering from the aforementioned conditions.

How to use spelt?

Spelt can actually be woven into pra