Many people are avoiding grains. Those who follow the Paleo, gluten-free, GAPS, or ketogenic diet all avoid any grains. They find that their new diet provides more energy, reduces gut issues and generally makes them feel better.
The good news is that now there are more replacements for these grains. These new products taste great, have greater nutritional benefits and are packed with antioxidants. These replacements do not have the inflammatory characteristics of their grain counterparts, resulting in less bloating, fewer digestive issues, increased energy and overall health improvement.
Coconut flour
Finely ground coconut flour is a gluten-free way to add protein and fiber to recipes. It’s delicious in cakes and cookies, and it creates a more tender texture in pancakes, quick breads, and more.
Add a small amount to boost the fiber and nutrition of any recipe – if you’re using all coconut flour, be sure to choose a recipe that calls for only that. Coconut flour can alter the structure of baked goods, so it’s ideal to use in recipes that showcase it.
To substitute coconut flour for regular flour in a recipe, follow these guidelines: Begin by replacing a quarter of the flour with coconut flour. You’ll always need to add extra liquid equal to the coconut flour you’ve added, as coconut flour absorbs 4 times its weight in liquid. The batter will often seem thicker than the consistency you’re used to, but don’t worry, this is normal. Cookies or pancakes will spread less than usual (we recommend using a spoon to spread them instead of thinning the batter). We love adding coconut flour to our smoothies as a thickener, but be sure to blend the coconut flour with a liquid first, to allow it to absorb liquid and prevent gritty texture.
Root vegetables
Root vegetables are a good alternative to grains. They are a natural source of complex carbohydrates, antioxidants, and other vital nutrients. Eating root vegetables may help you feel fuller, longer because of their high fiber content, and the surplus of vitamins A and C they contain can help you lose weight, maintain healthy skin and eyes, lower cholesterol, and improve heart health.
Buckwheat
While many people think that buckwheat is a cereal grain, it is actually a fruit seed that is related to rhubarb and sorrel making it a suitable substitute for grains for people who are sensitive to wheat or other grains that contain protein glutens. Buckwheat flowers are very fragrant and are attractive to bees that use them to produce a special, strongly flavored, dark honey.
Buckwheat’s beneficial effects are due in part to its rich supply of flavonoids, particularly rutin. Flavonoids are phytonutrients that protect against disease by extending the action of vitamin C and acting as antioxidants. Buckwheat’s lipid-lowering activity is largely due to rutin and other flavonoid compounds.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is one of the latest food trends. One of the more popular uses for cauliflower is as a pizza crust. It allows you to load up on your favorite toppings without the guilt of eating the crust.
Rich in vitamins C and K, cauliflower helps preserve eye health, balance hormones, aid in weight loss, and fight inflammation.
Cauliflower is high in both fiber and water content, which helps to prevent constipation, maintain a healthy digestive tract and lower the risk of colon cancer.
Cassava flour
Cassava flour comes from ground, dehydrated cassava root and is in many Paleo recipes. The cassava root goes by different names depending on the area of the world in which it is being grown including yuca, manioc, and tapioca.
Despite being heavy on the carbohydrate (almost 80g per cup), the cassava flour is a good source of fiber (compared to many starches, which tend to be stripped of their natural fiber content during preparation) and is a rich source of nutrients compared to many other starches: vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate are some of the highlights.
Source:
The Worlds Healthiest Foods
Medical News Today
The Paleo Mom
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