Freekeh: 5 Benefits & Uses

Freekeh (pronounced free-kah), also called farik, is an up and coming star in the world of grains. While this grain is not gluten-free, it does have a laundry list of benefits to offer. Freekeh benefits, for example, include helping control your weight as well as treating IBS. Plus, as this grain is not as well-known, eating it is a good opportunity to add some variety to your diet.

Here are 5 freekeh benefits:

1. Helps with Weight Control

Freekeh benefits start with weight control. As it’s high in protein as well as fiber, freekeh can help keep you fuller longer. This helps you cut down on extra snacking as well as overeating. (1) Annals of Internal Medicine conducted a study that examined fiber’s effect on weight loss plans. The study took place over one year and looked at 240 adults with metabolic syndrome who added high-fiber foods to their diet. After 12 months, those in the high-fiber group experienced weight loss. (2)

2. Aids Eye Health

Due to the lutein and zeaxanthin contents in freekeh, freekeh benefits include preventing macular degeneration. Research indicates that starting from birth, lutein promotes healthy ocular development. Furthermore, lutein lowers the risk for age-related eye diseases. (3) As freekeh benefits your eye health, add this grain to your diet to avoid age-related eye complications.

3. Supports Healthy Digestion

Freekeh benefits your digestive system, too. It does this by providing you with fiber, both soluble and insoluble. The insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool, which helps relieve digestive issues such as constipation.

4. Treats Specific Digestive Issues

Prebiotics help fuel probiotics, which is another way in which freekeh benefits the digestive system. Freekeh contains prebiotics and as such, can potentially help sooth symptoms of a variety of digestive issues. For example, the prebiotics in freekeh, in conjunction with probiotics, can treat IBS, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, leaky gut syndrome, and candida. (4, 5) Freekeh benefits your digestive system, treating a variety of coming intestinal issues. Consider adding it to your diet, especially if you suffer from any of the conditions listed above.

5. Helps Build Strong Muscles

Freekeh benefits extend to your muscles, as well. This grain contains 2.27 grams of glutamic acid per serving. Glutamic acid helps synthesize glutamine, plus has the ability to help improve your endurance as well as build strength. This happens through a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It’s called the excitatory neurotransmitter, and it’s the most common one in the spinal cord and brain area. Reap freekeh benefits by adding this grain to your diet today!