The truth is that many people have not heard about semolina so far. However, that does not mean that they do not use in their everyday lives — especially the ones who monitor what they eat on a daily basis. As a matter of fact there is nothing unusual about this ingredient aside from the fact that it is highly beneficial to your health. In order not to keep you in the shadow, we came to the conclusion that it is going to be the subject of our today’s survey. So, get ready to embrace a new and existing knowledge!
What Is Semolina?
As usual, we are going to start with the definition of what is semolina. You may be surprised, but it is only a type of flour. Of course, it is special because it is a lot healthier than other types of all-use flour. It is made from durum wheat. As you can see, there is no secret ingredient here, since like regular flour it is extracted from wheat. Yet, the durum wheat is not that popular around the globe, and only in the middle east, they grow it in most cases. However, that does not mean that you can’t find semolina flour in the grocery store. You can, and most likely, you will find it lying next to regular flour. As for the way semolina looks, it is quite different from all-use flour. It is coarse and more yellow in color. What is more, semolina has that unique earthly smell that you can’t confuse with any other smell.
Now, when you know what it looks like, what it is made from and where to find it is time to find out what is so special about it that we decided to devote the entire article to it. So read on!
What Is Semolina Used For? Main Types
What is semolina flour used for? Surely, that is the question that bothers many of you. Well, it should be noted that another word for semolina is macaroni wheat. As you may have guessed from the name already, it is highly used in pasta-making thus Italy is the country to consume most of it. The reason why it is so great for pasta lies in its high level of gluten, which in its turn is the key point for the macaroni to keep their shape.
However, Italy is not the only country that likes semolina – so does Nigeria. In Nigeria, they make soups and stews out of semolina. As for the rest of the world, they also use this unique type of flour when it comes to sweet puddings and porridge.
The primary role of semolina is to grant the pasta its golden hues, as well as to add that tasty crunch to the baking it is used for.
It should be mentioned that there are other types of semolina. Sometimes it is claimed that there is corn or rice semolina. However, despite the advertising – there is no such thing. That is why if you wish to reap all the positive qualities of semolina you should opt for the original one, not the suggested substitutes.
Top List Of Main Health Benefits Of Semolina
If you wonder is semolina healthy – it certainly is. And that is what we are going to talk about right now. Therefore, here is the list of semolina benefits:
Diabetes
It has been said that semolina is high in glutes thus it is digested and absorbed slower than regular flour. That is what help people with diabetes control their blood sugar.
Weight loss
It is essential to keep yourself full when you are trying to lose some weight. That is what semolina can help you with. The consumption of it will suppress the appetite so that you do not need to snack too often to feel full.
Energy provision
Due to a high level of carbs, semolina is that one product to supply your body with the necessary energy.
Balanced diet
Semolina is a product to introduce into your menu when you are looking for a balanced diet option. It is high in all possible vitamins and mineral while it is extraordinary low in fats, cholesterol, and sodium.
Body functions boost
Once again, being high in all positive and necessary elements it can enhance all your body functions at once.
Iron deficiency
In case there is an iron deficiency in your body then you surely need to add semolina to your menu. It will help you restore the iron level in no time.
Antioxidants
There are many harmful oxidants, which can influence our health in a bad way. But, semolina contains selenium which can take those harmful elements out of your body.
Cholesterol levels
If you want to lower your cholesterol semolina is precisely what you need to consume more often. Due to being low in cholesterol, it can help you deal with the matter in no time.
How To Use Semolina In Your Diet For Maximum Effect?
Now, when we reviewed all the semolina health benefits, it is only natural that you would like to learn how to add it to your diet. The thing is that apart from being a good substitute to regular flour semolina can help you balance your diet efficiently. Besides, there is a great variety of way to introduce it into your daily menu. Here is a list of few ideas for you to try out with semolina:
- If you like to bake, the best way would be to switch all use flour to semolina. In such a case, your bakery will be not only tasty but also highly beneficial to your health.
- Those of you who like to make pasta or pizza at home can also use the semolina alternative to regular flour.
- One more way to use semolina in the kitchen is to add it to stews and gravy.
Remember About Risks With Semolina
It happens so that no matter how great something is there is always a downside or two. The very same concerns semolina. There is nothing on the scale of being potentially harmful to the human body, but there are personal exceptions.
After we have discusses all the details as for semolina you may have come to the conclusion that it is already present in your life since we all eat pasta. But the danger may await if you jump to the conclusion that adding a whole lot of semolina to your diet is a great thing. The truth is, and it has been mentioned above – it is truly high in gluten, and it should be understood that some of you may not be tolerable to it. That is why it is our piece of advice would be to introduce semolina flour into your life slowly and observe your body responds to it. If you feel that there are no changes for worse, then there is nothing to worry about. However, when you notice some changes, it is best to consult a doctor or stop consuming semolina.
Semolina - such a fancy name to something so regular. Of course, most of you have it on your daily menu without even knowing it. It is time we reveal all the secrets to you! You can read about cascara sagrada benefits to know how it can make your healthy better.
FAQ: Semolina
What is semolina made of?
Semolina is a coarse flour got from durum wheat, rather than the other common wheat variety known as common wheat. The most nourishing components of durum wheat are turned into semolina when it is milled.
Can I use ground rice instead of semolina?
Rice flour is made from ground raw rice and is used in the preparation of rice noodles and Indian pancakes. In gluten-free baking and pasta preparation, it can be used instead of semolina flour. Rice flour is also good for thickening soups and stews. Rice flour pastas all have a distinct rice flavor.
Is corn meal the same as semolina?
You could think it’s cornmeal because of its yellow hue and coarse texture, but this flour is derived from wheat. It’s the coarsely powdered endosperm of durum wheat, which is the same kind as dried Italian pasta and Moroccan couscous.
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