Cereal couscous: what it is, how it looks, useful properties

Today it is very popular to follow the correctness and usefulness of their diet. There is a lot of advice on the use of certain products. About some of them many have not even heard before. One of them is couscous grits.

What is couscous

Couscous is a wheat grits, which used to be made from millet by grinding it into flour. Then water was added to it and a very steep dough was kneaded. Then they cut it into pieces and rubbed it through a sieve. Those particles that passed through the sieve were sent back for processing. Those that remained were a little smaller than round rice grains. They were dried in the sun. The drying process was very long - 1.5-2 months. That was how couscous was made.

For a long time, only women were engaged in making this grits. One can hardly find many other products of such energy-intensive production. Now, of course, this work is done by machines. Production is fully automated. But groats produced by hand, is much more expensive. Although the taste is no different. Today, couscous is made from semolina by splashing it lightly with water.

Couscous came to Europe from North Africa and the Mediterranean and gained popularity as a porridge and even a side dish almost at once. Couscous is now mostly made with semolina. Referring it not to cereals, but to pasta, only very small in size.

Composition and calories

In terms of its composition, couscous is a real treasure trove of vitamins, trace elements, amino acids and carbohydrates. The substances contained in this cereal are well assimilated by the body in contrast to many other products.

1. B vitamins. They are necessary for our body to ensure the normal functioning of systems. They participate in the regeneration of the cells of the central nervous system, take part in the normalization of metabolism, improve brain, heart and vascular function. Increase immunity. Vitamin B5, contained in cereals in sufficient quantities, gets rid of chronic fatigue and depression, helps get rid of insomnia - the modern problems of all cities.
2. Copper. Important for the circulatory system, it is directly involved in the process of hematopoiesis.
3. Selenium. A powerful antioxidant. One of the most useful elements found in this product. Strengthens the immune system, normalizes the production of hormones, is responsible for muscle and overall body tone.
4. Phosphorus and potassium - Are the basis for normal smooth functioning of the heart. They also play a huge role in maintaining healthy bone structure.

Slow carbohydrates help to break down fats and improve the absorption of nutrients found in other foods.

Couscous itself is a very caloric product, so those who want to lose weight should eat it very carefully. In 100 grams of cereals there are 73 grams of carbohydrates and 370 kcal. But there is no need to rush and immediately give up this product. If you include it in your diet once a week in small amounts, it will bring more benefits to the body as a whole than harm to your figure. Here are two basic rules that you need to observe, and then the groats will not increase your weight, but on the contrary, will help you lose extra pounds due to the normalization of metabolism in your body.

1. Portions should be small, but in fact you can not eat a lot of it, as it is very filling.
2. Porridge is only steamed without adding oil and sugar. If it is a side dish, it should be combined only with vegetables.

What is couscous good for?

It is impossible to overestimate the benefits of this product to the body.

General benefits.

1. Increases the immune system.
2. Fights the usual chronic fatigue, depression, stress and insomnia.
3. Regenerates the skin, hair and nails.
4. Significantly improves brain function, making it more active.
5. Improves the gastrointestinal tract, as it normalizes digestion and metabolism. Cleanses the intestines from toxins.
6. Well restores the water-salt balance.
7. Quickly increases low hemoglobin.
8. Lowers cholesterol.
9. Prevents the appearance of kidney stones.
10. The substances in this product help to better absorb calcium, which is very important for the bones.
11. Prevents the development of cancer.

Since, as mentioned above, when consuming cereal, a person stays full for a long time, he adds strength and energy.

For women

At all times women have been carefully taking care of their appearance and beauty, fighting against early signs of aging. Couscous like nothing else can be the main helper in this fight for youth. It is a powerful prophylactic against wrinkles and aging of our body as a whole. If you eat couscous for breakfast in just one week you will feel better, your skin will look fresher, more radiant and younger.

The inclusion of this exotic product in your diet will have a noticeable effect on the growth of hair. They will become stronger, healthier, thicker and more elastic. The useful substances contained in groats, will prevent the appearance of premature gray hair. Excellent regenerates and strengthens the nails, protecting them from brittleness and splitting. It is very active in cleansing the body, and if the cause of excess weight was poor metabolism, when you eat couscous grits metabolism will be restored, and the figure will become slimmer.

The substances in the groats stimulate the female sex hormones.

For men

The introduction of couscous into the diet of men engaged in physical labor or athletes is of particular importance. It provides the necessary carbohydrate supply, which is then transformed into energy. This cereal contains a large amount of protein, which is necessary for building muscle mass in athletes.

The selenium in it cleanses the body of smokers from accumulated toxins. Selenium also helps to increase potency. It quickly regenerates after physical exertion. Protects the hair from loss.

Pregnancy

During the period of childbearing, the female body is in dire need of useful substances and vitamins necessary for the normal development of the fetus. Therefore, the use of couscous during pregnancy is not only allowed, but also vital at the very beginning of the cycle and until the birth. The sufficient amount of folic acid in this product, which is important for the formation and proper development of the fetus, reduces the risk of fetal abnormalities. Significantly reduces toxicosis. The use of couscous porridge is an excellent prevention of anemia, which often occurs during pregnancy.

The consumption of this product during pregnancy should be reduced to 150-200 grams per week in order not to gain absolutely unnecessary extra weight.

When breastfeeding

Consuming couscous while breastfeeding, a woman does not feel any unpleasant reactions of her or the baby's body to this food. On the contrary, vitamins and minerals, so necessary for normal growth and development of the baby, get into his body with the mother's milk. In addition, couscous has a calming effect on the nervous system.

Nursing mothers should be careful when introducing couscous into their diet so as not to cause an allergic reaction. You should start with very small portions, eating the porridge no more than once a day.

At what age should children eat couscous?

Like any porridge, couscous can be introduced into children's menu not earlier than when a child is 8 months old. Even at this age a baby's body learns to break down the proteins which are part of couscous. Earlier use may cause an allergic reaction. It is also important to remember that couscous is introduced into the baby's diet only after the child is used to other cereals.

This new food, like all others, should be added to the ration from 1 teaspoon. Couscous can be cooked with vegetables, fruit or meat.

Useful properties of couscous for weight loss

In an effort to lose weight, people seek out all kinds of diets, limit their food intake or starve themselves altogether. Any diet in the absence of variety very quickly becomes boring and, except for boredom, does not cause any emotions from eating. You need to try to diversify your diet menu.

The amazing property of cereals at its caloric content is to promote weight loss at the same time. Fiber, which is in excess in couscous, helps to control weight. Once in the stomach, it absorbs water and swells, which allows a very long time does not feel hunger. In addition, cereal has more protein than carbohydrates, which requires more effort to digest this food, which means that the metabolism will begin to accelerate, will go calories, and with them, and fat.

It has already been said more than once that no diet without sports activities gives results, but it is worth trying to introduce porridge from these grains into your diet. The mood rises, the strength increases, you don't want to eat at all - there should definitely be a result.

Couscous in medicine

Doctors recommend to start eating couscous with a small portion, to make sure that there are no allergic reactions to its components. At what diseases it is possible to eat this product, and at what is not recommended? Let's look into it.

Diabetes mellitus

With diabetes can be used only in small quantities and without sugar. Since the cereal itself is simply unleavened, you will not get any pleasure from eating this product. Important: the glycemic index of whole-grain couscous is 45 units, and couscous made of refined semolina is 60 units.

In pancreatitis.

In the diet, the presence of couscous is allowed in small quantities. After an acute attack, porridge from this cereal can be eaten not earlier than in two weeks.

In case of gastritis

In the presence of this disease, it is recommended to eat couscous. It has a delicate structure, does not irritate the gastric mucosa and is easily digested. When using it, it is better to grind it in a blender and then already boil it.

With constipation

With constipation, it is necessary to use this cereal, as it improves intestinal peristalsis. The fiber contained in the product cleanses the intestines from toxins and various accumulated toxins.

It is good for gout

Gout is a disease associated with metabolic disorders, which causes the deposition of salts in the joints and kidneys. Therefore, porridge, and especially couscous, is highly recommended by doctors themselves.

In colitis

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are advised to eat only liquid porridge and only in small quantities.

For cholelithiasis

In this disease, couscous is allowed and even recommended as a side dish to vegetable and meat dishes.

Couscous in Cosmetology

Not only can couscous be eaten - it finds use in cosmetic masks.

A very useful face scrub mask with the addition of 1 tablespoon of grits, one egg. Mix it with 1 teaspoon of honey. Spread evenly on the face and leave for 15 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water. The effect will be seen after the first time.

A mask to strengthen brittle nails. Mix 2 tablespoons of groats with 2 tablespoons of peach oil and add 1 teaspoon of almond oil. Heat the mixture until pleasantly warm. The mask is applied to the nails, wrapped in clingfilm and covered with string gloves. You should keep it for 15 minutes. After several procedures, the nails will get much stronger.

Harm and contraindications

While there are many useful properties in couscous, there are also contraindications to the use of this cereal in food. Fortunately, they are very few, and to understand them will not be difficult.

1. Allergy to cereals. If redness, itching and peeling occur, you should exclude this product from your diet. There may, of course, be other manifestations of an allergic reaction. Be careful. If there is a reaction, and you still really want to eat couscous, try making it from rice instead of semolina.
2. As mentioned earlier, it is also better for people with diabetes to avoid eating this product. Or consult with your doctor first.
3. People with thyroid problems should also consult their doctor before making couscous porridge.
4. It is not recommended to eat couscous when obesity is diagnosed.

No other contraindications for eating couscous have been identified. The main recommendation is to follow a reasonable rate, which, in general, applies to absolutely everything we eat.

Since the dishes from this cereal are very nourishing, the usual portions should be reduced in order to avoid overeating and the associated bloating and diarrhea.

Cooking couscous: Recipes

Preparation of a quick side dish

Ingredients: for one part of groats take 2 parts water, a red onion, a medium carrot, a pinch of salt and kari, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.

Pour the groats into a pot, sprinkle with salt and curry, stir, pour boiling water, cover and leave to swell for 2-3 minutes. During this time, fry chopped onion and grated carrots. Add the soy sauce to the vegetables and stew for 10 minutes, then add the cooked couscous to the vegetables and mix everything. Bon appetit.

Couscous with chicken

For this dish, prepare the following products: chicken fillet - 300 grams, 2 large tomatoes, 2 white onions and 2 medium carrots. You will need 200 grams of cereals, a small bundle of parsley or coriander, a pinch of cinnamon and salt and 400 grams of water.

Pour boiling water over couscous, but do not boil it. Put the lid on and let it swell for about 10 minutes. The vegetables can be chopped any way you like. In any oil first fry onion until transparent, then add all other vegetables and fry another 5 minutes, stirring constantly, so it does not stick. Put the vegetables in a bowl. And in the remaining oil we fry chicken fillet chopped randomly. Salt the meat. After the meat is fried, we put there cooked vegetables, add water to cover the vegetables. Add cinnamon. Braise for 10 minutes. Then we throw in the couscous already cooked, stir it, turn off the fire, cover and wait until the water has been completely absorbed by the grits.

Do not be afraid to experiment with taste. Maybe a new dish will later prove to be the most favorite on your table. The ease of cooking this wonderful cereal opens up great prospects for the flight of fancy in inventing your own dishes.

The combination of any products: sweet, salty, spicy, spicy, meat, liver, mussels, shrimp and so on - with this extraordinary grits will give a great opportunity to surprise your guests with a real exotic.

How to choose and store couscous

When buying couscous in supermarkets, be sure to pay attention to the integrity of the packaging. Cereal is properly preserved without losing its properties only in an airtight vacuum container. The composition of the cereal should indicate only two components: cereal and water. No salt, sugar or even more flavorings! Couscous should always be made of whole wheat.

Cereals should be stored in a cool dry place. And certainly in a tightly closed container. The best are ceramic tins for bulk products with a tight-fitting lid. On the bottom you can put a paper napkin.

Interesting facts about couscous

1. In North Africa, the home of couscous, a very high importance was attached to symbolism. Everything that surrounded the people who lived on that continent had a meaning. Objects were given certain properties and worshipped accordingly. Couscous in the homeland was a symbol of good luck. Women prepared it in large quantities, as it was believed that the abundance of this product would bring prosperity, happiness and blessing. When building a new house, women made couscous porridge and treated the whole settlement to it.
2. In Africa, couscous was the food of poor peasants. When it came to Europe, it was welcomed in the biggest European restaurants. Gourmets have highly appreciated the quality of this food. In our stores you can find couscous on the shelves now: it costs much more than usual couscous.
3. Couscous is one of the few products which can be used for preparing salads, soups, porridges, side dishes, main courses, sandwiches and desserts. Cereals are combined with almost any product: meat, vegetables, fruit and seafood. Almost every dish from any cuisine can be prepared with the addition of couscous. It does not absorb the flavors of other products, but tones down their taste.
4. The Arabs make the world's spiciest dish, lamb ribs with couscous. They put the hottest red chillies in it and call it a fiery dish.
5. The Arabs brought couscous to Sicily after they conquered the island. It did not belong to them for long, but the grits became firmly entrenched there. Every year, a week long couscous festival takes place on the island. On it the best chefs compete in cooking dishes from this grits.
6. References to couscous are in the Guinness Book of Records. For example, in 2000 in Tunisia it was cooked a dish from couscous with meat - it took 2 tons of groats, 30 large rams, 250 chickens and 40 tons of vegetables.

The usefulness of this product does not cause anyone any doubt. More and more people include it in their diet. Once quite unknown, it has gained enormous popularity due to the healing properties it possesses. The amazing thing is that every category of the population, be it women, men, children or the elderly, will appreciate the necessary properties of this miracle cereal for health, to improve well-being.

Photo of couscous