GRAINS

Contrary to what we’ve been told for years, grains really aren’t a healthy food. They contain defense mechanism compounds which work hard to protect the grain, while being problematic on the digestive tract. This can lead to or exacerbate increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut). While some people may want to avoid grains altogether, I’ve created this post to help explain the nature of grains and a potential preparation method that might make them easier to digest, allowing you to partake from time to time.

Understanding Grains

• Grains are seeds.
• Nature made grains/seeds with compounds known as lectins, phytates and saponins.
• These compounds work hard to protect the grain, but in turn cause trouble for human digestion. 
• They pass through the system relatively undigested so that they can be planted elsewhere.
• To make it possible for seeds to pass through undigested, they contain Phytic Acid (AKA anti-nutrient).
• Phytic Acid binds to minerals like magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium, which prevents the body from absorbing these essential nutrients.
• This is a problem because: not only is it stopping the body from absorbing the minerals from the grains, but also from the rest of your food.
• In order to properly break down food and absorb nutrients, we need enzymes.
• Phytic Acid disrupts these enzymes, preventing proper breakdown of proteins in the stomach and can stress the pancreas.
• Soaking whole grains can reduce the amount of phytic acid, helping make them more digestible and make the nutrients in your food more available.
• HOWEVER: I personally believe it is better to limit grain consumption and instead choose whole foods like vegetables, low-mercury fish, meats, and consume certain healthy fats which are often needed in order to absorb certain vitamins and nutrients all together.

Where my Oatmeals Lovers at?!

I love Oatmeal, especially in the colder seasons. So here’s how I soak my oats, in order to have a warm bowl from time to time:

Soaking Oats

INGREDIENTS
1 cup steel cut or rolled oats
3 cups warm water
1 Tbsp lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar

METHOD
1. Put the steel cut oats in a glass bowl and cover with the warm water.
2. Add in lemon juice, stir to combine.
3. Cover and let oats soak at room temperature overnight.
4. Rinse oats with water.

Cooking Oats

INGREDIENTS
(1 serving)
1/4 soaked & rinsed oats
1/2 cup dairy-free milk or water
Pinch of sea salt sea salt

METHOD
1. In a small pot, bring 1/2 cup dairy-free milk or water & sea salt to a boil.
2. Add in 1/4 cup soaked & rinsed oats. Stir and reduce heat to low.
8. Cover & simmer 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until oats are tender.