Have you heard the buzz about ancient grains?

Heres everything you gotta know about the wide variety of ancient grains, including .

What Are Ancient Grains?

Given those definitions, some ancient grains will, of course, also be heirloom or heritage grains.

So youll never find a GMO ancient grain (thank goodness!).

Phytochemicals are bioactive compoundsantioxidants with potent anti-inflammatory benefits that can help to ward off chronic disease.

And then each grain also comes with its own unique benefits to love.

Chia seeds are especially high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, calcium, and zinc.

Manganese is a mineral that is linked to strong bones as well as blood and hormone formation.

Quinoa

Similar to chia, quinoa is also technically a seed.

Its also full of manganese and magnesium, alongside phosphorus,folate, andzinc.

Meanwhile, zinc is a well-known mineral due to its ability to boost our immune systems.

Here’s a full breakdown ofquinoa’s many nutritious benefits.

Sorghum

While its not as popular in the United States (yet!

It’s no surprise RDs are pointing to this grain as an up-and-coming superfood to watch out for.

It offers a healthy amount of protein (10 grams!)

and fiber (eight grams).

you could also turn to it formagnesiumandpotassium.

With these modifications, the root structure and density of these plants decreased to the same degree.

This is so important because soil is one of thegreatest carbon sinkson our beautiful planet.

Certain varieties will be more drought resistant than othersteff, for example, is a particularly drought-tolerant ancient grain.

Once youre ready to cook, theres so many delicious ways to use ancient grains.

2016;7:1454. doi:10.3389/fpls.2016.01454

Maunder AB.Sorghum Worldwide.

In: Leslie JF, ed.Sorghum and Millets Diseases.

John Wiley & Sons.

USDA FoodData Central.Wheat, KAMUT khorasan, cooked.

Accessed April 19, 2023.

USDA FoodData Central.Teff, uncooked.

Accessed April 19, 2023.

2019;39(3):185-188. doi:10.5333/KGFS.2019.39.3.185