Grain coffee has always been viewed as a cheaper and poorer alternative to regular coffee. Is it right? What is the composition of grain coffee and is it healthy?
Grain coffee - history
In the nineteenth century grain coffee was perceived as a cheaper equivalent of more expensive and less available coffee. In modern time, however, grain coffee is making a comeback. Until now, it is administered in kindergartens and hospitals, and more and more often it is also included in the diet of people who care about their healthy lifestyle.
Grain coffee - composition
The composition of grain coffee depends mainly on its manufacturer. There are many variants of grain coffee on the market, with a wide variety of additives.
The basic product of grain coffee is roasted cereal grains. Usually they are:
- rye
- wheat
- barley
- spelled
Various additives are added to the beans to give the coffee the best flavor and aroma. The most common additions are:
- chicory (the inulin it contains has a positive effect on our bacterial flora)
- dandelion root
- beetroot
- fenugreek
- caramel
- vanilla
- figs
- lemon balm
- hawthorn
- ginseng
- echinacea
When choosing grain coffee, make sure that it does not contain any artificial flavors or other artificial additives - then it will be the healthiest choice.
It is worth noting that gluten-free grain coffees are also available for sale for people with gluten intolerance.
Grain coffee - nutrients
Grain coffee has many nutrients and health promoting substances. These include:
- dietary fiber
- B vitamins
- selenium
- magnesium
- phosphorus
- potassium
- zinc
Grain coffee is also low in calories - 100 ml contains only 4 calories, but it has a high glycemic index - approximately 60.
Grain coffee versus regular coffee
Grain coffee has the advantage over regular coffee that it can be drunk by people of all ages, but it is especially recommended for those who should avoid caffeine (people with hypertension, liver disease, hyperacidity, kidney diseases). Grain coffee does not irritate the gastric mucosa like regular coffee which can sometimes result in heartburn.
Grain coffee - properties
Due to its natural composition, grain coffee has a positive effect on our health. Among other it:
- lowers blood cholesterol
- supports digestion, prevents constipation
- polyphenols contained in it neutralize free radicals, protecting the body against cancer and delaying the aging process
- reduces acid reflux and heartburn
- improves the functioning of the nervous system
- improves the secretion of bile
