If you’ve ever tried couscous, chances are you’ve fallen in love with it as well. Namely, this cereal with a very delicate taste is a substitute for rice for many, and it goes well with vegetables or as an addition to meat, fish or seafood.
Couscous is a food that has its origins in North Africa, but it has gained popularity around the world, precisely because of its simple preparation. Couscous is obtained by soaking wheat semolina (coarsely ground wheat) in salt water, and by kneading and circular movements between the palms, balls are obtained which are then dried.
Here are 5 health reasons why it is good to consume couscous:
1. HE IS RICH IN SELENIUM
Selenium is one of the most important nutrients we find in couscous. Only 100 grams of couscous contains more than 40% of the recommended daily dose of this mineral. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body to regenerate under the action of free radicals damaged cells and reduces inflammatory processes in the body.
Selenium plays an important role in and work of the thyroid gland; protects it from damage and contributes to hormone production. Also, selenium from couscous reduces the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammatory processes and oxidative stress and reduces accumulated clack and “bad” LDL cholesterol in blood vessels.
2. CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF CANCER
Selenium from couscous can reduce the risk of cancer, studies have shown. A review of 69 studies involving over 350,000 thousand subjects confirmed that high selenium levels have a protective function against certain types of cancer, but the studies relate to the intake of selenium-rich foods rather than taking selenium as a dietary supplement.
Furthermore, studies have confirmed the association of decreased selenium levels with an increased risk of prostate cancer, and others confirm that intake of sufficient amounts of selenium with vitamins C and E reduces the risk of lung cancer in smokers.
3. STRENGTHENS IMMUNITY
Another feature of selenium from couscous is the strengthening of immunity. This antioxidant reduces inflammatory processes and strengthens immunity by lowering oxidative stress in the body. Also, selenium plays an important role in the regeneration of vitamins C and E, which helps strengthen the immune system and its proper functioning.
4. A GOOD SOURCE OF PLANT PROTEINS
On average, 16-20% of the human body is made up of proteins, and they are made up of amino acids that are involved in almost all metabolic processes in the body. Therefore, it is important that the food we eat every day is rich in proteins of plant or animal origin. Couscous is a good source of protein, in 100 grams we find 3.8 grams of protein.
Keep in mind that couscous (like most other plant sources of protein other than soy and quinoa) is an incomplete source of amino acids, so it is important to make sure that the missing amino acids are replaced from another source. A diet rich in plant proteins is associated with a reduced risk of stroke, cancer and death from various heart diseases.
5. EASY PREPARATION
Couscous is considered a substitute for pasta and rice which is extremely light and low in calories. Due to its delicate taste, it is easy to combine with other foods because it does not dominate its taste but takes on the taste of the food with which it is combined.
