Freekeh is high in fiber. It contains prebiotics, elements that help to nourish the beneficial bacteria that live in the gut. It also has a high calcium, zinc, and iron content. Taking into account all of these factors, freekeh can be great at helping the digestive system and making toilet trips a little more regular.
Freekeh is high in protein as well as fiber, and it has the added benefit of being low in fat. Eating freekeh helps people to feel fuller for longer, thus preventing nibbling and snacking in between meals. Those who switch to a diet that is higher in fiber often record weight loss.
Freekeh has a relatively low value on the glycemic index. It is just 43, whereas, for example, long-grain rice is usually 75+, white bread is 70, and quinoa is 53. The lower the GI value, the less a person’s blood sugar rises after eating a particular item.
The large amount of naturally occurring glutamic acid can assist with building muscles and increasing strength. Indeed, many bodybuilders add glutamic acid to their diet to enable their bodies to produce glutamine.
Freekeh contains many elements that are beneficial to good health. As well as the already-mentioned iron, calcium, and zinc, freekeh also contains potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, selenium and more.
Carotenoids can help to promote eye health and reduce the chances of the eyes degenerating as a person gets older. Freekeh is a good source of carotenoids.
Whilst freekeh contains gluten, and so is off the menu for people who have a gluten intolerance, all the other plus points make it a great ingredient to add to meals. While travelling around Morocco and sampling all the tasty cuisine, don’t forget to enjoy hearty portions of freekeh too.