BULGAR

Bulgur Bulgur constitutes a cereal prepared from the crushed grains of varied species of wheat, the most common ingredient being durum wheat. It is generally a cracked and dried variety of wheat. It is generally used for Middle Eastern, European and Indian culinary recipes. The food has a light and nutty flavor and it is considered to be rather tasty and delicious. It has been established by studies that bulgur contains more protein and fiber than white rice. Also, bulgur has a lower glycemic index and higher mineral and vitamin content. How does bulgur help you? • Bulgur contains dietary fibers, carbohydrates, fats, protein, Vitamin A, B, C and E. • Bulgur also contains iron, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium, potassium and zinc. • The consumption of bulgur wheat might translate into a reduction in chronic inflammation and in the protection of the body from a number of diseases. In a study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, scientists deciphered that people who consumed betaine; a compound found in bulgur wheat, had a smaller amount of homocysteine that causes osteoporosis, heart diseases, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. • Bulgur could help in alleviating the risk of developing gallbladder stones. The insoluble fiber content found in bulgur wheat lowers levels of triglycerides and other unhealthy fat in the body, thereby decreasing the chances of stone formation. • The fiber present in bulgur wheat could play an instrumental role in combating cancer. A study conducted by the International Journal of Epidemiology found out that pre-menopausal women who consumed more fiber had a reduced chance of developing breast cancer. Bulgur contains a significant amount of dietary fiber. • Bulgur wheat constitutes a good source of manganese. Manganese is rather important for the normal functioning of the brain and the nervous system. Additionally, it forms the connective tissues and helps in blood clotting. Also, bulgur wheat contains magnesium that regulates the levels of calcium in the body. • It is important to choose your carbohydrates wisely. Rice and other refined carbohydrates significantly add to your weight quotient thereby exposing you to a lot of obesity-related syndromes. However, a greater consumption of bulgur wheat helps in reducing your weight and maintaining the cholesterol and blood pressure levels. • Bulgur wheat also is a great laxative. It flushes out the toxins and other waste materials from the body. All in all, bulgur remains to be a good source of wholesome nutrition.