Couscous is a type of small pasta made from millet, or semolina (a type of wheat) both of which are whole grains.
If you have been on holiday to North Africa, particularly Morocco, you may have sampled couscous with lamb and apricots, a very traditional dish.
Couscous is a very good form of protein, especially if you are a vegetarian or vegan and it has no fat, which is another benefit.
One cup of couscous has only 176 calories, so it is great if you are dieting.
It also contains the B group of vitamins, including thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate and pantothenic acid.
These vitamins are essential for healthy red blood cells, and they help maintain the functions of the brain, heart, immune system and nervous system.
One cup of couscous contains 61% of the daily intake of the trace element selenium that we need, which for an adult is 60 micrograms a day.
It can stimulate the immune system, and so help us fight diseases, and it has powerful antioxidant properties so it combats the free radicals in our bodies which can trigger the growth of cancer cells.
Low levels of selenium in the elderly appear to be linked to dementia, and it seems to be vital for a healthy brain.
It has also been touted as good for women who are going through the menopause, as it seems to combat some of the symptoms.
Coucous
, and eat it instead of rice or quinoa.
It helps to ring the changes in your diet.
You can add so many different ingredients to couscous as it is very versatile.
Try filo pastry parcels stuffed with a mixture of smoked salmon and couscous with dill and capers, or add your favourite vegetables to couscous which has been cooked with saffron.
Find some of the delicious Moroccan recipes online for spicy couscous with lamb or chicken, or create your own recipes.
You don't need to boil couscous if it is the fine variety, simply pour a cup of boiling water over 80 grams of it, leave it to stand, and then just fluff it up with a fork.
Next time you go shopping, buy a packet of couscous and try this healthy food for yourself.
What have you got to lose? Think of all the health benefits you will gain.
If you have been on holiday to North Africa, particularly Morocco, you may have sampled couscous with lamb and apricots, a very traditional dish.
Couscous is a very good form of protein, especially if you are a vegetarian or vegan and it has no fat, which is another benefit.
One cup of couscous has only 176 calories, so it is great if you are dieting.
It also contains the B group of vitamins, including thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate and pantothenic acid.
These vitamins are essential for healthy red blood cells, and they help maintain the functions of the brain, heart, immune system and nervous system.
One cup of couscous contains 61% of the daily intake of the trace element selenium that we need, which for an adult is 60 micrograms a day.
It can stimulate the immune system, and so help us fight diseases, and it has powerful antioxidant properties so it combats the free radicals in our bodies which can trigger the growth of cancer cells.
Low levels of selenium in the elderly appear to be linked to dementia, and it seems to be vital for a healthy brain.
It has also been touted as good for women who are going through the menopause, as it seems to combat some of the symptoms.
Coucous
- contains fibre (yielding at least five grams per cup);
- helps to support a healthy heart
- helps to decrease the risk of contracting diabetes
- contains no fat or sugar
, and eat it instead of rice or quinoa.
It helps to ring the changes in your diet.
You can add so many different ingredients to couscous as it is very versatile.
Try filo pastry parcels stuffed with a mixture of smoked salmon and couscous with dill and capers, or add your favourite vegetables to couscous which has been cooked with saffron.
Find some of the delicious Moroccan recipes online for spicy couscous with lamb or chicken, or create your own recipes.
You don't need to boil couscous if it is the fine variety, simply pour a cup of boiling water over 80 grams of it, leave it to stand, and then just fluff it up with a fork.
Next time you go shopping, buy a packet of couscous and try this healthy food for yourself.
What have you got to lose? Think of all the health benefits you will gain.
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