11 Health Benefits of Teff Grain

Teff first came to me by way of the delicious Injera, an Ethiopian fermented flatbread.

It was love at first taste.

Teff is the world’s tiniest seed, and it packs a big nutrition punch!

Since then, I’ve discovered many uses to keep my relationship with teff growing.I purchase mine on Azure.com. You can also get it at your local co-op or on Amazon.com.

11 Health Benefits of Teff

1. Anemia: Helps regenerate iron in blood, offering about 30% of your daily value of iron.
2. Digestion: Thanks to the fiber, this will help with supporting regular bowel movements. This is especially useful for hemorrhoids. Eating fiber and drinking plenty of foods is very good for your digestion and every organ system.
3. Weight: One serving of teff provides about 30% of your daily value of copper, a nutrient that supports healthy weight and energy production. Thanks to the fiber and modest calories, teff can help you feel full and satisfied with fewer calories.
4. Energy: Copper also increases energy levels, being involved in the synthesis of ATP (your body’s energy molecule that is produced in your mitochondria). Copper also helps liberate iron from protein. This helps with fatigue, especially if you are anemic. Teff is loaded with manganese. What is manganese? It is a mineral that helps with producing digestive enzymes responsible for a process called gluconeogenesis. Gluconeogenesis supports energy, breaking down protein into amino acids, and then into sugar for fuel. This process supports balanced blood sugars and stable energy. Studies have shown that mice who consume enough manganese display better mitochondrial health.
5. Fitness: Teff is a great source of protein, which supports lean muscle mass. Copper, found in teff, also helps relieve muscle and joint pain while also minimizing inflammation.
6. Heart health: In the process of digesting teff’s insoluble fiber, you will eliminate more cholesterol particles and fats before they are re-absorbed from your intestines. Additionally, teff is rich in vitamin B6, which maintains healthy blood vessels. Vitamin B6 reduces the risk of heart disease by regulating an amino acid called homocysteine. Homocysteine is produced from protein intake, and promotes inflammation. It is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Vitamin B6, as well as folate, is a defender that prevents homocysteine from accumulating and damaging your blood vessels. Without ample B6 (and folate) to defend you, homocysteine increases dangerous plaque buildup and puts you at risk for heart attack or stroke. Additionally, Vitamin B6 helps manage blood pressure and cholesterol.
7. Blood sugar control: Teff slows insulin release in your bloodstream. One serving of teff provides you with 100% of the manganese you need for health.  Manganese can prevent high blood sugar levels, and is essential in diabetes management.
8. Bone health: Teff is a great source of manganese and calcium, minerals that help maintain bone mass. Manganese helps form hormones and enzymes involved in bone metabolism.
9. Detoxifies: Insoluble fiber isn’t absorbed, and thus passes through our digestive tract, taking with it toxins, metabolic waste, damaged fats and cholesterol particles.
10. Pre-Menstrual Syndrome: Helps reduce PMS symptoms. Minerals such as phosphorus and magnesium play a big role in reducing cramping and pain during PMS and menses. Additionally, so it helps women who feel sluggish around menstruation may find that teff helps with their energy, for reasons listed above.
11. Gluten-free: Teff is a wonderful choice on the gluten-free meal plan!

Start using teff with some of my recipes:

• Easy raspberry teff muffins, protein-packed
• Sourdough teff bread recipe
• Teff crepes (coming soon)

Now, I want to hear from you!

1. Have you used Teff in recipes before?
2. If yes, how have you used it, and how did you like it?
3. Do you prefer it savory, sweet or fermented?