Fonio: 4 Health Benefits of This Gluten-Free Grain

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Health Benefits of Fonio

If you have Celiac disease, a gluten allergy, or even a sensitivity to gluten, you’re probably always on the lookout for gluten-free grains.

Barley, wheat, and rye, are off limits. And that includes a long list of foods made with gluten, that you might think are gluten-free. For example, candy, chips, beer, and deli meats can contain gluten.

So if you’re looking for another gluten-free option for couscous, porridge, and pastries like breads, cookies, and cakes, give this gluten-free whole-grain a try: Fonio.

Fonio is a whole grain from West Africa that’s been used for over 5,000 years. And it’s making a comeback as a popular and healthy gluten-free grain.

A half-cup of cooked fonio contains about 170 calories. And it’s a rich source of B vitamins. But here’s what really makes fonio stand out. It contains more calcium than any other whole-grain, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

Check out these 4 health benefits of fonio:

1. Supports muscle-repair and growth

Want stronger muscles, healthier skin, hair and nails, and faster recovery times from an illness or strenuous workout? Fonio is a good plant-based source of amino acids your body needs for best health.

2. Helps prevent disease

It’s no secret whole grains are good for your health. But if you’re gluten-intolerant, the typical whole-grain foods are off limits. Enter fonio. It’s a gluten-free whole grain. Research shows whole grains, including fonio, can help lower the risk for diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

3. Protects your gut

You probably learned you have Celiac disease, a gluten allergy or gluten sensitivity...the hard way. You know...GI issues, stomach pain and cramping, too many trips to the bathroom, or worse. Because fonio is a gluten-free whole-grain, it protects your gut from the type of issues gluten-based grains can cause.

4. Controls blood sugar levels

Fonio takes longer to digest than refined grains and even some whole grains. That means it has a low Glycemic Index. So it helps control blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. This is particularly important if you have diabetes or you’re at risk for diabetes.

Gluten-Friendly Meals

We’ve been making Gluten-Free meals for more than a decade. And our customers keep coming back for more. Check out the 9 new Gluten-Free meals we’ve added to the menu:

Beef Burger with Seasoned Potatoes & Green Beans
Beef with Red Wine Sauce, Red Diced Potatoes, Okra & Corn
Beef with Salsa Verde, Mashed Potatoes & Brussel Sprouts
Cheese Omelet with Roasted Potatoes
Chicken with Sweet & Sour Sauce, Rice and Blended Vegetables
Egg Patty with Onions & Peppers and Roasted Potatoes- Individual Meal
Egg Patty with Roasted Potatoes and Grits
Chicken and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya, Rice and Broccoli
White Meat Chicken with BBQ Sauce, Sweet Mashed Potatoes & Cauliflower