Grains, legumes, and high-quality superfoods
A healthy diet starts with raw materials selected according to their nutritional properties and with guarantees of genuineness and safety encompassing the entire production chain.
A healthy diet starts with raw materials selected according to their nutritional properties and with guarantees of genuineness and safety encompassing the entire production chain.
Superfoods are foods that, according to some studies, have beneficial effects on our wellbeing: they positively affect one or more physiological functions and help to decrease the risk of developing diseases related to a particular type of diet.
They are among the legumes that most contribute to the feeling of satiety while being highly digestible. Despite being one of the most nutritious and caloric legumes, chickpeas remain very balanced in terms of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats).
Black beans are legumes rich in vegetable proteins, fibers, iron, calcium, vitamin B, folic acid, magnesium, and phosphorus. The plentiful presence of antioxidants allows slowing down the formation of free radicals, responsible for cellular aging. These legumes also help to keep low the level of cholesterol in the blood and to stabilize sugar levels.
These legumes promote the feeling of satiety. For those who wish for a healthier and more balanced diet without giving up the right amount of calories and necessary macro-nutrients, it can be considered an excellent replacement for other foods such as some grains. According to some studies, lentils lower glucose and cholesterol levels in the blood.
Thanks to their delicate flavor and low-fat content, peas are among the most appreciated and most present legumes on our tables. They are a source of folic acid, vitamin C, and mineral salts; according to some researches, they are invigorating, energizing, and remineralizing and help to lower cholesterol levels.
Rich in fiber, vitamins, protein and a host of other nutrients, oats are a valuable grain for the body’s well-being. It is a low-glycemic index food with high satiating power and anti-inflammatory properties.
This grain, also known as “black wheat”, is an important source of carbohydrates and is gluten-free. According to some studies, it helps to purify the body because it reduces LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. Buckwheat is also rich in essential amino acids, useful to stimulate metabolism, increase the feeling of satiety and prevent the formation of abdominal fat.
Among the most common grains, corn is gluten-free and rich in fibers, iron, and minerals. Besides being suitable for those who suffer from celiac disease, it is low in sodium, and it is an excellent food for pregnant women and for weaning children. Combined with rice and chickpeas, it creates a mix of flours with an inviting and healthy taste that the pleasant consistency of the pasta enhances.
Among the oldest and least-known grains, white corn has a fiber content three times higher than its more common yellow variety. The quantity of iron and phosphor is also significant, while the presence of nickel is low, making it a perfect grain for those who are intolerant to this metal. It is also excellent for those who want to follow a low-calorie diet: in fact, it has high satiating power and a glycemic index lower than that of wheat.
Without the outer cuticle, brown rice is a grain rich in fibers, amino acids, and folates, with a high mineral and vitamin content. The non-removal of the germ keeps unchanged most of the organoleptic properties of brown rice, making it a food with a high energy value. It is also gluten-free and can be consumed without issues, even by people affected by celiac disease.
Teff (Eragrostis Tef) is a grain native of Ethiopia, where it has been cultivated and used for thousands of years for its important nutritional properties: it is rich in fibers, calcium, and iron. It is the smallest grain in the world, and it is used in its entirety, without being shelled, a fact that preserves its proteins and nutrients content. Finally, teff is completely gluten-free. We combine it with a major grain such as rice (including brown rice) to create a mix of healthy and tasty flours.
Although it is not a true cereal, quinoa is classified in the 3rd basic food group – foods mainly rich in starch, hence calories, dietary fibre and some minerals and vitamins; there is no lack of protein of medium biological value. Compared to most cereals, quinoa contains more protein, calcium, phosphorus and iron. It is also gluten-free.
Originating in Africa, sorghum is a cereal spread all over the world: from Asia to Europe, from America to Australia. Sorghum is a ‘nutrient factory’ that is essential for our organism. It contains a good concentration of complex carbohydrates and important minerals such as iron and calcium and is a great source of energy!
A yellow-ocher spice with a pungent aroma, it is known since ancient times also as an anti-inflammatory. It has purifying effects on the body and contributes to preventing the formation of free radicals, responsible for the premature aging of cells.
The high content of minerals, proteins, and lipids makes these small seeds a powerful ally of our wellbeing. Flaxseed has a lenitive and refreshing action on the intestinal flora, and it is a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, progenitors of Omega 3 and Omega 6, which are useful for the proper operation of the immune system.
They are a powerhouse of beneficial nutrients; they are an excellent source of fibers, are rich in minerals (potassium, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, and selenium), vitamins, amino acids and Omega 3. They help digestion and counteract stomach acidity. Some studies also found that they keep cholesterol levels low.
The beet is a distinctive and definitely healthy root. Rich in beneficial properties, beet is restorative and antioxidant. Red beet is rich in water, and is an excellent source of fiber, antioxidants, folic acid (vitamin B9), potassium and vitamin C. This vegetable is also low in calories.
Spinach is rich in properties, fighting aging, friendly to the eyes and heart, and rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Its caloric intake is very low and, thanks to its fiber content, it helps stimulate satiety, a useful factor in weight control.
Pumpkin is composed of 90 percent water, has very few calories and low sugar but is rich in minerals, vitamins and a source of fiber. For this reason, it is also suitable for people with diabetes or those who want to control cholesterol, which pumpkin is free of.
Cauliflower: full of fibre!
Low in calories, cauliflower contains potassium, calcium, iron, fibre and various substances considered beneficial to health, such as Vitamin C. Among the virtues contained in this vegetable is also the rich reserve of folic acid.