Why does it feel sooo good?
Discover the incredible health benefits of teff
Teff is an ancient super-grain, cultivated and consumed in Ethiopia. A daily staple that’s made into a flatbread called injera. Even Ethiopian endurance athletes rate teff. And it has a history that goes back 6,000 years. So it’s kind of time we caught up.
Energy and Fitness
One of the reasons teff is loved by endurance athletes is that it is high in iron. Iron is important for efficient metabolism and oxygen transfer so essential for sports performance, but also energy levels. Iron deficiency can lead to tiredness, lightheadedness, and weakness. Not only is teff high in iron, it’s also low in phytic acid which inhibits the absorption of iron, meaning when you eat teff your body can absorb much more iron than other high iron foods. Teff is also a good source of copper and manganese which help the body metabolise protein and iron for energy. For athletes, teff can combat the effects of hepcidin spikes after working out. Hepcidin spikes inhibit the absorption of iron, which is why it’s especially important for people who work out a lot to make sure they’re getting enough iron. Try our Chocolate Date cookies for an iron boost!
Teff is the only ancient grain rich in vitamin C.
Gut microbiome
Teff is high in resistant starch, a type of dietary fibre which is good for good gut health. Resistant starch resists digestion and acts as a prebiotic for good gut flora in the large intestine. Good gut health has been linked to good immune function, good digestion, and good mental health.
Weight and blood sugar management
Teff is high in resistant starch which isn’t absorbed by the small intestine. Because it’s not absorbed in the small intestine, it doesn’t spike blood sugar levels. This helps to stop any sugar cravings caused by consequent sugar crashes and controls insuline release. Teff's high fibre content also keeps you fuller for longer and helps with digestion, eliminating toxins from your body.
Mood Support
The resistant starch in teff stops blood sugar crashes and boosts gut health. This supports healthy hormone production and management- 90% of serotonin is made in the gut! Poor microbiome health has been linked to depression, anxiety, and hypothyroidism. Teff is also high in manganese and phosphorus which can help to reduce symptoms of PMS, including pain and cramping.
Healthy heart
The fibre in teff helps to elimate cholesterol from the body before it is re-absorbed. Teff is also a good source of Vitamin B6 which defends the body against the inflamatory effects of homocysteine, which can cause plaque build-up, and promotes healthy blood vessels. B6 also helps manage blood pressure and cholesterol.
Bone health
Teff is a good source of calcium and manganese. Both minerals are important for building and maintaining bone mass.
Supports overall body functions
Teff contains lots of essential vitamins and minerals needed for normal bodily functions, like manganese, phosphorus, and calcium. Calcium is a mineral most often associated with healthy bones and teeth, although it also plays an important role in blood clotting, helping muscles to contract, and regulating normal heart rhythms and nerve functions. Manganese is necessary for: turning the food you eat into energy, forming bones and connective tissue such as cartilage, and protecting your cells from damage by increasing brain and memory function. Although the main function of phosphorus is to build and maintain bones and teeth, it also plays a major role in the formation of DNA and RNA (the genetic building blocks of the body). Phosphorus helps ensure that cells and tissues are properly maintained, repaired, and replaced as they age.
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Read more about the incredible grain here:
Teff, The Superfood You Should be Eating - Men's Journal
Gut check: Teff grain boosts stomach microbiome health - Cornell University
What Is Teff, and How Can Adding It to Your Diet Help Your Performance? - Runner's World
Teff and Metabolism, Lemecha M et al. Aug 2018
Teff and Anemia in Female Athletes, Alaunyte I. 2013
Iron nutrition: how a humble grain could boost your performance, A. Hamilton
Nutritional importance of Teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) and human health: A critical review, S. Shankarappa