Most people haven’t ever heard of grains such as kamut, amaranth, and millet. Those are just a few of many healthy alternative grains. Usually unless someone cannot eat wheat/gluten, they are never really exposed to these options. It is quite unfortunate because they have a lot to offer!
Here are some features of these great alternative grains:
- Amaranth- Aztecs hold this nutty flavored grain sacred; it is high in protein, fiber, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and copper. It is safe for gluten/wheat sensitive individuals.
- Quinoa- An ancient Incan grain, very similar to rice. Very high in protein, fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and zinc. Also gluten free.
- Millet- Fun fact: it is used in bird seed! Nutty and creamy flavor; used in Asian and African cuisines. Great as a cooked breakfast cereal. Unlike most grains, it is actually alkaline versus acidic. It has lecithin and choline which are good for cholesterol health. It is also gluten free.
- Kamut- Ancient Egyptian grain that is buttery in flavor. It is a complete protein and can be used in baking and pastas. It is NOT gluten free.
- Spelt- dates back to biblical times. Can be substituted for wheat or rice and is NOT gluten free. It contains immune stimulants and phytochemicals which are anti-carcinogenic.
Millet Has Lots of Lecithin
Try and add some of these grains into your diet for more variety and health benefits!
Julie DuBois, RD 
October 6th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Funny story – we had a potluck dinner for the women of the UW-Madison cycling team, and amongst the dishes that showed up, there were TWO dishes with different types of quinoa – a corn and bean salad (mine!) and a casserole with squash and cheese. We’re pretty sure that ours was the only demographic where people would not only show up with quinoa but no one would need it explained to them!