Substitute Rice And Pasta With Bulgur Wheat For Better Health.

Bulgur wheat is a kind of cracked wheat that only has a minimal amount of the bran removed. Bulgur is also made from the groats of wheat, most commonly durum wheat. Bulgur is a natural weight loss food that is excellent to include in an anti-inflammatory diet. 

Bulgur wheat is highly nutritional and can be used to replace rice, spaghetti, macaroni or couscous in planning a meal for those trying to lose weight, with diabetes, other health conditions or just to be healthy because it is a whole grain. Here is why bulgur is excellent for health and weight loss:

• Low in fats.
• Low in calories.
• Gluten free.
• High in fiber.
• High in protein.
• Low glycemic index. It is high in slow digesting carbohydrates.
• Rich in vitamins. Niacin, folate and other B vitamins.
• Rich in minerals. Manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc.

Because of the healthy nutrition and fiber provided by bulgur wheat, it is beneficial in:

• Combating chronic inflammation and the diseases associated with this condition
• Helping in combating high blood pressure.
• Helping with digestion.
• Guarding against gallstones.
• Helping the body use insulin properly.
• Lowering cholesterol level.
• Helping to maintain a healthy weight and combat weight gain.

Even though bulgur is processed, it has most of the nutrients because the processing is minimal and no preservatives or additives are to it.

Bulgur consumption is not popular in Nigeria but health conscious individuals have started to use it in their diets. It has its origins in the Mediterranean and Middle East where it is popular. Cooking bulgur wheat is just like cooking rice and the taste is not so different from that of rice, though it is a bit chewy. This makes it easy to include in the Nigerian diet or any diet. It can be consumed with stew, vegetable soups or used to replace pasta in salads and meal. Try a vegetable stir-fry bulgur wheat to replace your usual stir-fry rice for health.

Have you got a healthy recipe or meal to share? You can share below or send an email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.