4 Ancient Grains That’ll Nourish You Up
January 8, 2017
by Trisha Learn 
As part of our Daily Yay campaign this January, we’re sharing simple ways to jazz up your January. Adding a bit more diversity to your diet is not only a great way to spice things up in 2017 with something new, it’s also incredibly good for you. Check out why these 4 ancient grains are so good for you. We’ve got a recipe for each of them that’ll take no more than 35 minutes.
To see all the ways you can make this January something specialy with our Daily Yays, click here. You can even get a free set of Thank You cards, because studies show that showing gratitude is fabulous for our well being.
Chia
Chia
Try this Easy Strawberry Chia Pudding recipe
This little seed has been around in the world of cuisine since way back in 3500BC, when it was a staple in the Aztec diet. In the past few years you may have seen it’s popularity in the UK rising, because we’ve caught on to it’s incredible superfood qualities and we want some of the action too!
The Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
They’re high in fibre
Fibre aids a healthy digestive system and cleanses toxins to avoid acne or rash breakouts.
They’re high in antioxidants
The antioxidants in chia seeds help prevent skin aging to give you more of a glow.
They’re high in protein
Protein is essential to everyone’s health because it contains amino acids without which we’re likely to have a lack of energy.
They’re high in omega 3
Just like oily fish, chia seeds are high in omega 3 which is great for your eye and brain health.
Freekeh
Freekeh
Try our Chermoula Spiced Salmon with Freekeh Pilaf and Toasted Sesame Seeds
Freekeh is a form of wheat that was originally popularised in the Middle East in places like Egypt, Lebanon and then eventually in Afghanistan, Jordan and Syria.
The Health Benefits of Freekeh
It’s high in fibre
Fibre aids a healthy digestive system and cleanses toxins to avoid acne or rash breakouts.
It controls blood sugar
Freekeh has a low glycemic index, so when you eat it, it has a positive impact on blood sugar levels.
It’s protein rich
Protein is essential to everyone’s health because it contains amino acids without which we’re likely to have a lack of energy.
It’s high in antioxidants
The antioxidants in freekeh help prevent skin aging to give you more of a glow.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat
Try our Mexican Black Bean and Buckwheat Bake with Crème Fraîche
Buckwheat was originally grown in South East Asian, but found it’s way to the Balkans and the US, where it became an integral part of local cuisine.
The Health Benefits of Buckwheat
It controls blood sugar
Buckwheat has a low glycemic index, so when you eat it it has a positive impact on blood sugar levels.
It’s high in antioxidants
The antioxidants in buckwheat help prevent skin aging to give you more of a glow.
It controls high blood pressure
If you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, try working buckwheat into your diet.
It’s gluten free
If you can’t eat gluten or you’d prefer to eat a wider variety of grains than just wheat or spelt, buckwheat is perfect for you!
Quinoa
Quinoa
Try our Roasted Curried Parsnips with Cumin Quinoa Pilaf and Pomegranate Seeds
Quinoa is originally from the Andes Mountains of South America and it’s not actually a grain at all – sorry, we lied. It’s a seed.
The Health Benefits of Quinoa
It’s high in fibre
Fibre aids a healthy digestive system and cleanses toxins to avoid acne or rash breakouts.
It’s high in protein
Protein provides us with the amino acids that keep us feeling vitalised.
It’s gluten free
Here’s another grain that you can use instead of pastas, breads or cous cous to vary a gluten rich European diet.
It’s high in iron
Iron is incredibly important in creating red blood cells and hemoglobin that transports oxygen effectively around the body.
It controls blood sugar
In a world where there is sugar in everything, quinoa is a welcome relief that actually helps stabilise your blood sugar levels.
It’s high in magnesium
Magnesium is highly important in enzyme function which benefits your metabolism and effective nerve impulses.
Join the Daily Yay
Enjoy these ancient grains and don’t forget to join the Daily Yay for
more little tricks on making January awesome.
