Many probably heard about the valuable and taste qualities of couscous. In our country, it is not as popular as, for example, in Morocco. Moroccan women know many original recipes based on this cereal. Prepare it with a variety of vegetables, seafood and meat. We will tell you more about couscous. The benefits and harms of this cereal will be described in today's article.
Origin
Under the mysterious and unusual for us name is hidden ordinary cereal, which is obtained from hard varieties of rice, barley or millet. Its homeland is the sunny country of Morocco, where this dish is considered national and is consumed daily. The product is also popular in African countries, such as Libya, Algeria, Tunisia.
Couscous is loved and appreciated for its high nutritional value. The beneficial properties of porridge are really unique, which is why the population is so respectful of this dish. The manufacturing technology of the grain product is very similar to the production of pasta. Very small grains come on sale - no more than 1.5 mm.
Biochemical composition
Macroelements (magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium) and microelements (manganese, zinc, copper, iron) are indispensable for the human body in cereals. Couscous is rich in polyhydric alcohols and plant styrenes. Benefit and harm - the subject of research by specialists. The product contains a lot of thiamine (B1), nicotinic acid (vitamin B3), riboflavin, pantothenic and folic acid, pyridoxine.
Grains are rich in amino acids: arginine, alanine, aspartate, glycine, valine, isoleucine, glutamic acid, isoleucine, lysine, proline and leucine. It also contains fatty acids: tetradecanoic, palmitic and octadecanoic acids. As you can see, couscous boasts a whole range of nutrients.
The benefits to humans
Specialists and doctors unanimously say that the regular use of grain crops helps to combat insomnia and chronic fatigue. Thanks to the enriched chemical composition, it is possible to cope with depressive states and neurotic disorders. Croup is especially shown to people engaged in active mental and physical activity.
Couscous has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes. It is recommended to use it for anemic patients. In addition, croup improves the regeneration of the epidermis of the skin, prevents earlier aging, strengthens the hair follicles and helps to cope with various inflammatory phenomena. No wonder it is advised to use it during the period of respiratory diseases, when it is necessary to strengthen the immune system.
Porridge can be given to both adults and young children with intestinal tract disorders. In addition, cereal stabilizes water-salt metabolism, reduces harmful cholesterol and increases hemoglobin. And thanks to the presence of potassium in the composition, the cardiovascular system is strengthened. Couscous has a stimulating effect on the functioning of brain activity and prevents the development of joint diseases.
Calorie content and nutritional value
Nutritionists consider this cereal an ideal product for weight stabilization, as it has a fairly high glycemic index and consists of complex carbohydrates. In simple words, eating a portion of porridge for breakfast, you get rid of hunger for a long time and fill the body with valuable substances. As you know, complex carbohydrates are indispensable for losing weight. On 100 gr. the product is 376 kcal. Indicated to athletes, children and the elderly couscous.
Harm and contraindications
Undoubtedly, the grain crop is very nutritious and healthy. But even with such a generous and valuable composition, cereal has some contraindications. With caution, it should be used by diabetics and people with a high degree of obesity. People with cereal intolerance should also be extremely careful and it is better to abandon the use of this cereal. Couscous has no other contraindications. Benefit and harm are on the opposite scales.
What to cook?
For those who are interested in this product, we describe a tasty and simple recipe.
Ingredients: couscous (150 gr.), Champignons (200 gr.), Young zucchini, eggplant, onions, cherry tomatoes (you can take other varieties) - 10 pcs., Turmeric, pepper and salt.
Finely chop the onion, sauté until golden brown and add the mushrooms - fry for five minutes. Zucchini with blue cut into small cubes and lay to the mushroom mass. Do not forget to pepper and salt. We bring the vegetable mixture to half-preparedness.
Add turmeric and salt to a glass of boiling water - pour into a pan. Put tomatoes there - leave for several minutes to sweat. Remove from the stove and add the grits. A full and full meal is ready to eat.
For breakfast, cook yourself a delicious porridge with dried fruits and nuts - recharge your batteries for the whole day. Do not exclude couscous from the diet. The benefits and harms of this valuable crop are now known to you.