Healthy Benefits of Teff in Your Diet

Teff is clearly good for endurance athletes, but why?  

To start, teff is good for providing long-lasting power and ensuring body fitness thanks to its rich protein content. Like buckwheat and quinoa, teff is considered a complete protein because it contains all the essential amino acids our body needs for cell growth. Among them, teff has particularly high levels of lysine, which our bodies use to build and maintain muscle tissue. Amino acids are also the building blocks of antibodies, and so contribute to a stronger immune system. 

Next up, teff is good for blood circulation, muscle function and brain concentration because of its unusually high iron content. Our bodies need iron to make red blood cells, which in turn carry oxygen around the body, feeding our muscles and, most importantly, our brain. 

As a whole grain, teff is also an important source of dietary fibre and complex carbohydrates, which are linked to better digestion, gut health and improved blood sugar levels. 

Beyond its protein, dietary fibre, complex carbohydrate and iron content, teff contains a whole host of other vitamins and minerals that further enhance its health benefits. First, teff is the leading grain for calcium content, which is crucial not only for bone and teeth health, but also for boosting the immune system and regulating muscle contractions, including heartbeat. Teff also beats other grains for vitamin C content, increasing its immune-system-boosting effects even further. Other nutrients in high supply are copper (key to energy production, red blood cell formation and iron function), magnesium (essential for healthy muscular, nervous and cardiovascular systems), zinc (helps build resistance to disease) and vitamin B6 (a multifunctional nutrient that supports the workings of all our vital organs). 

All the nutritional properties that make teff so beneficial for endurance athletes make it beneficial for everyone. And there are broader health benefits to be felt beyond the racetrack too: 

1. High nutritional value 

Teff’s impressive cocktail of high-quality protein, dietary fibre, iron, calcium, vitamin C, copper, magnesium, zinc and vitamin B6 content make it a nutritional powerhouse. One helping of teff is enough to provide your body with a significant amount of the daily nutrients it needs to support energy, concentration, muscle function, bone and cell growth, smooth digestion and a strong immune system. 

2.  Low in fat 

Yet another benefit of teff is that it is low in saturated fat. This means that you can indulge in teff-based breads, cakes and biscuits literally to your heart’s content, safe in the knowledge that teff won’t contribute to hypertension or blocked arteries. 

3.  Blood sugar 

Teff has a low glycaemic index. This is thanks to its high-quality protein and fibre content, which ensures energy is released into the bloodstream slowly, preventing spikes in glucose. That helps maintain steady blood sugar levels, and as such teff is good for controlling and preventing type 2 diabetes. 

For a fast-track way to enjoy the nutritional advantages of teff, look no further than teff flour. It is even easier to introduce into your cooking than teff itself, yet it packs all the same incredible health benefits. Simply add it to your dough or batter mix, and eat your way to higher energy, improved muscle function, better blood health and a stronger immune system. Why not use our recipes for gluten free pancakes or chocolate chip cookies for inspiration? Swap in some teff flour for some of the flour mix and you’re ready to go. On your marks, set, bake!