Do you know what teff is?

Teff is an ancient superfood grain, cultivated and consumed in Ethiopia and Eritrea. 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.

Background

Teff is the world’s tiniest grain. Each grain measures just 1mm in diameter. There’s 150 grains of teff to one kernel of wheat, so it can easily slip through your fingers or blow free in the breeze. It’s thought that’s where the name teff comes from – the Amharic word ‘teffa’ meaning ‘lost’. While it may be small in size, teff boasts remarkable nutritional value and versatility, making it a true superfood.

Keep reading to find out about what makes it a superfood.

Health benefits of teff

Dr Scott Robinson on how teff can support sustained energy levels.

Dr Jonny Christopher on high quality nutrition.

Dr Dan Owens on how teff can support gut health.

A Nutritional Powerhouse

Teff is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with a wide range of essential nutrients that the body requires to function at its best. This includes: 

  • Fibre: High in dietary fibre, teff promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Minerals: Teff is loaded with important minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
  • Vitamins: Teff is rich in B vitamins, such as thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin B6.
  • Protein: Teff is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making it a smart addition to vegan and vegetarian diets
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Harvest of champions

Teff is often referred to as the "runner's superfood" given the winning tradition of Ethiopian marathoners. Here’s why it’s a trusted fuel for athletes:

  • High in iron. Iron is essential for oxygen transport and energy production. It also supports metabolism, normal cellular functioning, and the synthesis of some
    hormones.
  • High in prebiotic starch. 20-40% of the starch in teff is resistant starch which feeds good bacteria in the gut. 
  • Complex carbohydrate. Teff is a whole grain and packed with slow-release carbohydrates for gradual and sustained energy release. 
  • Nutrient-dense. Teff’s rich nutrient profile makes it a great recovery fuel to support a 24-hour recovery.
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Fuelling the future

Did you know 75% of the world’s food comes from just 12 crops and 5 animal sources? With changing climates, that makes us vulnerable to food shortages. Teff is not only a very healthy grain, it’s also a resilient crop. It uses 10 times less water than wheat to grow and can grow in poor soils. Adding teff to our diets helps add diversity to our food supply. Our teff is responsibly sourced from farmers outside of Ethiopia and Eritrea to avoid causing political volitility and price fluctuations.

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