Originally published September 6 2013
What makes couscous healthy?
by Sandeep Godiyal
(NaturalNews) In order to understand if couscous (koos-koos) is healthy, one needs to understand just what denotes a healthy food choice, the definition of healthy food and what nutrients couscous contains.
Preparation is the Key
Many times, a healthy food can become unhealthy when it is prepared in an unhealthy manner, such as deep-fried foods or pan fried foods. Good food choices become unhealthy if they contain anything white, such as white flour, sugar, and excess salt. Foods lose their healthiness when a person adds unhealthy food choices. Couscous prepared with grilled or baked chicken or fish is healthy. Couscous served with deep fried chicken is unhealthy.
The food pyramid has been the rule of thumb for healthy eating. The pyramid explains what amounts of each food group people need to include in their daily diets. If he or she adheres to the food pyramid every meal, they are sure to get the correct amounts of vitamins and nutrients every day; thus they will be healthier. You must not overcook vegetables and grains or all the nutrients will be destroyed. Couscous must be cooked the proper way.
Use food preparation methods such as broiling, baking, grilling, and steaming, so as not to destroy essential vitamins and minerals. Use whole grains and avoid anything white. Use fresh or frozen foods and avoid canned foods because of hidden sodium and sugars. The healthiest foods on the pyramid constitute the base of the pyramid. As you work up the pyramid, the sections become smaller, which means your body requires these foods but in smaller quantities, including fats.
Couscous is one food item that many people have not experienced. This food item comes in three different sizes, depending upon the area it comes from. A smaller type of couscous made from grain resembles rice but is considered pasta. Some people think couscous is pasta; others think couscous is a grain; however, couscous is both a pasta and a grain. Couscous is made with semolina flour, which is well-known for its nutritional properties. Often, couscous has a base of whole-wheat flour, which gives it good nutritional value and fiber in the diet. Couscous is a specific cultural dish mainly found in Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean areas.
Nutritionally speaking, couscous contains healthy essentials such as whole grains and fiber, is good for the body and helps with weight loss. Couscous gives people a feeling of fullness, thus curbing hunger.
What makes Couscous such a healthy food?
Valuable antioxidants, good nutrition, and excellent anti-aging properties that help people to avoid lists of health issues:
• Fiber (at least five grams of fiber per once cup)
• Helps to support a healthy heart
• Helps to decrease risks for diabetes
• Contains no fat or sugar
• One cup of couscous contains the daily recommended portion of selenium
Do Not Boil Away the Nutrients in Couscous
There are many different ways to prepare couscous, including as an ingredient in soups. Use it as a side dish instead of white rice. Mix it with a fresh salad. If a person boils this healthy food choice, it cooks quicker but tends to become starchy and sticky if it is not boiled right. Ideally, couscous is steamed and fluffed up, separating the small grains. The correct preparation of couscous depends on what type of couscous the person is using. The person eating couscous will find it to be a bland food. Some people mix couscous with a favorite food flavor, such as fresh vegetables or meat. If you prepare too much couscous, it is all right to freeze portions. Frozen couscous is fine in the freezer for up to three months.
In conclusion, couscous is a great, healthy food, offering an abundance of nutrients. These nutrients help to keep the body healthy. The key to consuming healthy food choices is the way in which the food is prepared. Add couscous to your diet today and see if you notice a difference in your weight and health. Couscous can be purchased at your favorite supermarket or health food store.
Sources for this article include:
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com
http://womansday.ninemsn.com
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com
About the author:
Sandeep has written many health field articles for both Internet and print publication. He currently writing for insurancetips4u.co.
Read More articles from Sandeep:
5 Must-Know Things about Car Insurance
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Sandeep has written many health field articles for both Internet and print publication. He currently writing for insurancetips4u.co.
Read More articles from Sandeep:
5 Must-Know Things about Car Insurance
Top 5 Reasons Your Health Insurance Premium Will Rise in 2016
Top 5 Tips for Finding Affordable Health Insurance Policy
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