Four Health Benefits of Farro
Posted by Catherine Woodlock
Farro is the nutritious and healthy ancient grain that we featured in our mindful eating for men’s cooking class when we teamed up with RGE RD’s co-owner, Chef Blair. It has such remarkable health benefits that we wanted to discuss them here in our blog.
1. Farro is fibre packed
We often tend to turn to brown rice to increase our fibre intake. However, farro contains 4 times as much fibre as brown rice. One cup of farro has the equivalent of four medium sized bananas in fibre!
The complex carbohydrates found in farro also break down more slowly, helping to steady our blood sugar levels. The extra fibre is essential to help keep our colon healthy, reduce arterial plaque build up and balance our gut microbiome!
2. Farro is protein rich
Perhaps it isn’t typical to consider grains as a great source of protein, however, farro is packed with protein. One cup of farro provides 28 grams of protein. This is the same amount as a three ounce piece of sirloin steak!
Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps to build muscle, tissue and cells. Higher protein foods can also help to keep the body feeling fuller for longer, causing a rise in fullness hormones and reducing hunger hormones.
3. Farro is highly antioxidant
Whole grains can be just as important as fruits and vegetables, when it comes to being a rich source of antioxidants in the diet. Farro is an excellent source of polyphenols, carotenoids and selenium. These are all important antioxidants for the body.
Antioxidants protect the body’s cells from free radical damage. This can help to prevent against diseases such as cancers, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and neurodegenerative diseases.
4. Farro is high in B vitamins
In general, B vitamins can be difficult to acquire through a vegetarian diet, and yet they are so essential for our health. Farro contains multiple B vitamins, especially vitamins B3 (niacin) and B2. This makes farro a perfect addition to a plant-based diet.
B vitamins are crucial for metabolic health, helping to convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy. In addition to helping maintain high energy levels, these vitamins also support the central nervous system in general. They keep the brain healthy and benefit neurotransmitter function.
If you want to learn how to incorporate farro into a stupendously delectable meal, please see the recipe from our Mindful Eating Cooking Class with Chef Blair from Rge Rd.
This cooking class was such a hit that we will most certainly be doing another one in the future! Stay tuned to find out where and when!
Sign up for our newsletter for updates on upcoming events!
