Kamut or Khorasan wheat is an ancient grain that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a popular alternative to modern-day wheat that can be used to different recipes.
Also known as oriental wheat, this annual grass can produce grains that have similar appearances of modern wheat kernels, but twice in size.
Kamut can be used to make bread, crackers, and other baked goods. It is incredibly delicious and can bring a rich, buttery, and nutty flavor in anything you bake.
The health benefits of kamut are quite impressive due to its amazing nutritional profile. It can provide a considerable amount of fiber, protein, and minerals that make it an excellent addition to your regular diet.
This article lets you explore the incredible health benefits of Kamut you may experience by consuming it regularly.
Nutrition Facts of Kamut
One of the main reasons for kamut’s growing popularity is its dense nutrients that you may get by consuming it regularly.
One cup of kamut can provide the following nutrients: [1]
- 251 calories
- 52 grams carbohydrate
- 2 grams of fat
- 10 milligrams sodium
- 7 grams of dietary fiber
- 11 grams of protein
- zero grams of sugar
- 4.7 milligrams niacin (24 percent DV)
- 0.2 milligrams thiamin (14 percent DV)
- 0.05 milligrams riboflavin, or vitamin B2 (3 percent DV)
- 0.14 milligrams vitamin B6 (7 percent DV)
- 20 micrograms folate (5 percent DV)
- 2 milligrams manganese (104 percent DV)
- 96 milligrams magnesium (24 percent DV)
- 0.4 milligrams copper (21 percent DV)
- 3 milligrams zinc (20 percent DV)
- 17 milligrams calcium (2 percent DV)
- 3 milligrams iron (19 percent DV)
- 304 milligrams phosphorus (30 percent DV)
From the above data, you can easily understand why consuming kamut can be beneficial to you.
Health Benefits of Kamut
1. Kamut May Lower Cholesterol.
Kamut is a high-fiber food, which is quite effective in lowering cholesterol. Dietary fiber can aid your digestive system and help your body to get rid of unwanted waste and toxic materials.
In a clinical trial published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, participants consumed products made from either kamut or control semi-whole wheat grain for eight weeks. [2]
The result shows that foods made from kamut were effective in reducing metabolic risk factors, markers of inflammatory status, and oxidative stress. [2]
2. It is Good for Your Bone Health.
Kamut is rich in magnesium and manganese, minerals that are essential for strong and healthy bones. [3]
A research published in the journal Nutrients concludes that regular intake of magnesium-rich foods can improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis. [4]
Another 2014 study shows that daily magnesium intake can improve bone mineral density and reduce the risks of fracture. [5]
Adding foods made from kamut in your regular diet may ensure healthy bones and reduced risk of bone-related disease.
3. Kamut Can Aid in Digestive System.
Regular consumption of kamut may aid in the regularity and function of the digestive system, thanks to its high-fiber content.
Fibrous carbohydrates like kamut can clean your system, make you feel satiated, increase the absorption of nutrients, as well as fights bacteria.
Fiber helps the waste of your body to become solid and move through your system. The solid helps to fuse all that is left in your colon, including the bacteria, waste, and food particles. [6]
4. It Can Detoxify The Body.
If you frequently suffer from headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, gas, bloating, maybe it’s time to detox your liver.
Kamut is rich in phosphorus, an essential mineral that can improve the functions of your kidneys and help detox your system by eliminating waste and toxins through urine. [7]
Potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus in kamut can work as electrolytes that can balance the level of uric acid, water, sodium, and fat within your kidneys and other digestive organs.
5. Kamut May Support Brain Health.
The manganese in kamut makes it a viable brain food as it is closely related to the cognitive function. A manganese deficiency may lead to mental illness, mood changes, and even epilepsy. [8]
A research published in the International Review of Neurobiology concludes that manganese is vital for metabolism and normal cell function. [9]
Another 2003 research states that a lack of manganese in the body may increase the susceptibility of epileptic function. [10]
6. It Can Balance Hormones.
If you want to keep your hormone naturally balanced, you need to eat foods that contain a significant amount of zinc and manganese.
Zinc is an essential component for male fertility as it can increase the testosterone level naturally. [11]
Besides, zinc plays a vital role in the production of the female sex hormone and improve reproductive health. [12]
A study published in 2010 suggests that zinc could treat sexual dysfunction in chronic renal failure patients who were undergoing hemodialysis. [13]
Patients who took zinc supplement experienced significant improvement in testosterone level. [13]
7. Kamut May Fight Common Cold.
Due to the presence of zinc, kamut may fight the common cold and other ailments. It’s because zinc can exert an antiviral effect on the virus and bacteria that are built within the nasal passages.
According to a 2013 research, regular intake of zinc may reduce the duration of the common cold. [14]
The study also concludes that daily consumption of zinc may reduce the risk of developing cold and the need for taking antibiotics. [14]
Side Effects of Kamut
While rich in nutrients, kamut does have some side effects on some people.
Like other types of wheat, kamut also contains gluten. Hence, you need to avoid kamut made food if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Besides, some people can be allergic to kamut. In that case, try eating in small amounts to find out if you have allergy in this wheat or not.
Excessive consumption of manganese can have a toxic effect on the brain. As kamut is rich in manganese, you need to eat it moderately.
How to Add Kamut to Your Daily Diet
There are several ways to consume kamut on a regular basis, including
- Use kamut instead of regular wheat flour to make pancakes, bread, etc.
- Use boiled kamut as a base for salads.
- Make delicious, creamy porridge using blended, soaked kamut.
- You can add kamut to a stir-fry dish.
- Make chips or pita using kamut and eat them as snacks.
End Note
Kamut is a versatile grain that can be added to a variety of dishes. It is rich in fiber, protein, and other vital nutrients to provide you numerous health benefits.
However, kamut is not gluten-free, so it’s not a suitable option for those with gluten sensitivity.
Store the grain in an airtight jar and keep it in a cold, dark place. Keep the jar in the fridge to store it for a longer time.
