John Myers
Many debates about nutrition are now emotionally charged and not very factual. The best example is wheat: Unhealthy or not? Opinions differ on this question. We illuminate the facts.
True or False: Is Wheat Unhealthy?
Unhealthy wheat, good spelled: For some years now, many people have preferred spelled to classic wheat rolls. This decision is often based on the fact that spelled has a better reputation. It is considered to be more natural, and according to Hildegard von Bingen even curative, and due to its almost identical baking properties it is the perfect alternative to the supposedly unhealthy wheat. What many overlook: The spelled used today is very often crossed with wheat. Anyone who is concerned about avoiding gluten should know that spelled contains even more of it than wheat. Both are therefore not suitable for gluten-free recipes.
How healthy is spelled?
Spelled is a grain with quite a lot of healthy ingredients. Spelled contains more protein than other common grains such as wheat. The proteins contained are also of particularly high quality and can be easily utilized by the body. In addition, the flour from the spelled grain provides important B vitamins, vitamin E, and various minerals. For example, spelled is rich in magnesium. In addition, the grain contains satiating roughage, but in direct comparison less than rye, for example. As with all types of grain, the most nutrients are provided by the whole grain variant of spelled flour.
Although spelled is the original form of wheat, some people with a wheat allergy also tolerate it well. It is assumed that the protein composition differs from wheat and can therefore be better tolerated. For people with gluten intolerance (celiac disease), however, spelled is not an alternative because it is not a gluten-free food and even contains more gluten than wheat. Would you like to bake with spelled? We recommend our spelled stick recipe!
In these cases, wheat is healthy or unhealthy
While the myth that spelt is healthier than wheat can be traced back to resourceful marketing strategists, the question remains as to why wheat is considered unhealthy for humans. And there is actually a grain of truth in the claim. Anyone suffering from certain diseases fares much better with a diet without wheat. These include proven celiac disease, wheat allergy, and wheat intolerance. But wheat can also be unhealthy for the body in other inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, rheumatism, and arthrosis: Especially if a lot of wheat and few foods that are considered anti-inflammatory, such as vegetables, fruit, certain vegetable oils, and spices are consumed. If you’re healthy, you don’t have to rely on food without wheat and only ask yourself questions like “Bread or rolls, which is healthier?” to dedicate.
Why is wheat unhealthy?
Scientists are vigorously researching why wheat can cause inflammation in the intestines and possibly also in other parts of the body. According to recent studies, certain proteins such as ATIs and lectins are among the suspected culprits. Plants use these substances to protect themselves from predators. Modern high-performance varieties of wheat contain more of these substances than the ancient grain. This could be one reason why inflammatory diseases are increasingly on the rise today. If you want to eat less wheat, there are plenty of alternatives. Why not try pseudocereals such as amaranth, quinoa or buckwheat and enjoy a porridge with fruit for breakfast instead of the usual bread roll with jam.
