For many years now, the nutty spelt has been appearing more and more frequently in our kitchens. It has been known as a substitute for wheat for quite some time.
It is also said that spelt is healthier than wheat. Especially at breakfast time, you should always make sure that you are eating the healthiest option – but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavour in your cereal.
In today's blog post, we answer all your questions about spelt, whether it is healthier than wheat and how you can best incorporate it into your healthy breakfast.
Healthy breakfasts from Verival – discover them here
What exactly is spelt?
Spelt is a form of soft wheat. It is thought that spelt originated from very old types of wheat through mutation. This is because no wild forms of spelt have been found. The earliest finds of spelt date from the 6th to 5th millennium BC. Because people in the past had a great need for nutritious staple foods, spelt was ideal for this purpose.
In recent years, the area under spelt cultivation has increased dramatically. In Germany, it already covers 50,000 hectares of land, and in Switzerland, the area under cultivation has even grown by 41%. Spelt in central Burgenland in Austria is already considered a ‘traditional food’ – the area has even been included in the Genuss Region Österreich (Genuss Region Austria).
Since the spelt is firmly attached to the husks, an additional step is needed during processing – dehulling. This means that spelt production is somewhat more labour-intensive than wheat production. That is why spelt is usually a little more expensive than ‘normal’ wheat.
Discover Verival muesli with spelt
What is the difference between spelt and wheat?
Spelt and wheat are both types of grain. You could even go so far as to say that the two grains are related. Wheat is the most modern type of grain – high yields are the main reason why wheat is so widespread. Spelt, on the other hand, is a very undemanding plant. It is well protected from environmental substances and is much healthier than wheat!
How healthy is spelt really?
And while we're talking about the health benefits of spelt, how healthy is it really? Spelt is a good acidifier and can complement your alkaline diet well. Your body needs not only alkaline foods, but also acidifiers. Spelt is particularly healthy as a whole grain – but even in its flour form, up to 600 minerals remain per 100 grams.
Another little fact about spelt: during radioactive measurements after the Chernobyl disaster, it was found that the contamination of spelt was low to non-existent – so the husk not only protects the spelt itself, but also you as a consumer!
Spelt vs wheat – is spelt healthier than wheat?
This is a question that many people have been asking themselves for a long time. So which is actually better for your body? Spelt is generally better tolerated than wheat – many people swear by spelt as the healthier alternative.
The low level of pollutants in spelt is one reason for this. But spelt also comes out on top when it comes to minerals and vitamins. For example, spelt contains 4.2 milligrams of iron and 130 milligrams of magnesium per 100 grams.
Spelt also contains trace elements of zinc, copper and manganese. In addition, it contains some B vitamins, amino acids and good fatty acids! And as we know, there is nothing better for you than the right fatty acids! 😉
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How we process spelt at Verival
At Verival, we have been rediscovering and reactivating the ancient grain varieties in recent years. Spelt, like rye, einkorn wheat and yellow oats, is an ancient grain variety. We at Verival currently have a wide range of ancient grain mueslis in our assortment – so ancient grain tastes not only delicious, but is also very healthy for you!
How to incorporate spelt into your breakfast
How can you incorporate spelt into your breakfast routine now? We have a few tips for you here: if you are a muesli fan, it is very easy to incorporate spelt into your diet. In our muesli range, there are many delicious options for enjoying your breakfast with spelt.
You should pay attention to what you eat at breakfast time – because a healthy breakfast makes for a healthy you. You are, after all, what you eat! And who, if not us, could help you find the right breakfast routine.
