Discover a Healthier Version of Grains
This January, enjoy the nourishing option of ancient grains during your dining experience! Compared to refined grains like white rice or enriched flour, ancient grains such as amaranth, barley, buckwheat, farro, kamut, millet, teff, and quinoa have been enjoyed for centuries without being genetically modified. Without genetic modification, the grains maintain a robust nutritional profile that keeps all three key parts of the grain intact, which is an excellent thing for us to remember when trying to choose or create the most nutritious meal possible.
The Three Elements That Make a Whole (Grain)
To understand why ancient grains are so special, we have to understand the anatomy of a grain. Every grain comprises three key parts: the bran, germ, and endosperm. The bran houses fiber and essential nutrients, the germ contains vital vitamins and minerals, and the endosperm provides energy in the form of carbohydrates. For a product to earn the esteemed label of “whole grain,” it must keep the original balance of these three elements, mirroring the original grain’s composition. Ancient grains keep the balance of these three parts, offering benefits that are otherwise stripped away during modern refinement processes. When you see items with ingredients that are ‘enriched’ such as ‘enriched flour’ it means the product used a processed grain and the nutrients were removed during refinement, and added back in for nutrition. For your wellness, eating ancient grains is a great way to skip the refinement process and get straight to the source of healthy meals through quality ingredients.
The Importance of Fiber in our Diets
Fiber is crucial for various health benefits, including digestive health, weight management, blood sugar control, and heart health. Ancient grains like quinoa, farro, and spelt are excellent sources of fiber because they are whole grains, rich in nutrients, and provide a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber. These grains offer a sustainable and diverse option for meeting dietary fiber needs while contributing to overall nutritional well-being.
A Revolution Towards Real
Since ancient grains have a better nutritional profile and offer fiber, we naturally create healthier options for you to enjoy when we use them in our custom recipes. Aside from the robust flavor, these grains offer more protein, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and zinc, compared to refined grains. For instance, by swapping white rice for the nutty goodness of quinoa or chewiness of farro, you get to enjoy your favorite flavors while encouraging your health through a better-for-you grain.
Getting creative with ancient grains is fun for us as a food management company because our professional chefs get to flex their culinary skills while doing the right thing by making sure the choices you have are healthy, flavorful, and never boring. This month, we hope you enjoy trying the flavors of ancient grains and experiencing how they can help you feel nourished and energized for your day ahead.
