Here we go again.

This ‘Scientific American’ article states that whole grains are a good source of nutrients including fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Really?

Go to the store and look at the nutrition facts label on a loaf of whole grain bread or whole grain pasta.

See any vitamins and minerals listed on there?

What does the label say about the amounts of vitamins and minerals in those items?

And fiber?

The fiber in whole grains is mostly insoluble. That means that the body cannot use it. Insoluble fiber is also known as cellulose. You know, like, cardboard and wood.

This is not to say that soluble fiber isn’t great for overall health. It is. But it’s mostly found in fruits and vegetables which, by the way, are also packed with vital nutrients.

Now let’s compare whole grains with the typical grain alternatives for a moment.

Buckwheat, a gluten-free seed, is rich in soluble fiber and has equal or greater amounts of minerals like magnesium, manganes and copper than wheat (gluten-rich grain) does.

Individuals with gastrointestinal issues including gastritis, leaky gut and IBS, talk of digestive relief brought on by the elimination of gluten-rich grains. Switching to easier to digest, gluten-free seeds, fruits and veggies (eg. zucchini flour, banana/plantain flour, etc.) is obviously beneficial.

So what could be the reason for all that grain, corn and soy pushing?

Why are gluten-rich grains, corn and soy our modern civilization’s staple foods found in practically every packaged grocery store item?

It is possible that if every single individual on the planet wished to consume fresh fruits and vegetables every single day, there wouldn’t be enough for everyone?

Technically, this could be true.

If absolutely everyone wanted to be an optimally healthy semi-vegan and have 95% their daily diets consist of a large variety fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, there may, in fact, not be enough of it for everyone.

What would make such items plentifully and inexpensively available to all would be to plant fruit and nut trees, forest gardens and vertical veggie gardens absolutely everywhere. On every corner and even the smallest patch of land. A mix of trees, bushes and other vegetation, all growing something edible.

The result?

No one would want to pay money for food.

Many people would either drastically reduce the amount of work they do and others would stop working for income altogether.

That would lead to economic collapse with the international trade being the first to take a dive.

People would have fewer existential fears and more time to think. Some would decide that the entire economic system is a failure and abandon it.

Imagine that.

I was recently listening to some older podcasts by The Higherside Chats and a guest said something along the lines of, ‘it’s really stupid that people have to pay for food’. She was part of a group that lives in one of those self-sustainable sustenance farming communities. Clearly, when you choose to live differently, you drastically change your thinking and your very sense of logic.

Overall, it could safely be said that taking charge of your wellness is only the first step in taking charge of your life.

Most People Shouldn’t Eat Gluten-Free – Scientific American

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Digestion: Prebiotics, Probiotics & Chicory Root
Katarina Nolte ¦ 09/20/2015

Some of the most important nutrients when it comes to digestion are probiotics. Probiotics are preceded by prebiotics. Both, prebiotics and probiotics stimulate the production of friendly gut bacteria.

Inulin

According to the following Prebiotic article, Americans consume between 10 and 15 grams of inulin daily via processed foods to which it is added as a gelling agent.

“Unlike most carbohydrates, inulin is non-digestible. This allows it to pass through the small intestine and ferment in the large intestine. Through the fermentation process, the inulin becomes healthy intestinal micro flora (bifidobacterium).”

Prebiotics – A functional food that stimulates the growth of healthy bacteria, helping produce digestive enzymes. | Prebiotic.ca

Most of this industrial inulin is said to be derived from the Chicory Root (herb). The whole root has been used medicinally since ancient times for things like liver and gallbladder cleansing, overall detox, circulation, digestion, immunity, inflammation and weight loss.

As usual, I’m thinking that the herb probably has some health benefits, but the factory made Chicory derived inulin gelling agent probably does not. And if you add that gelling agent into half the stuff the average person eats, well, good luck.

Eating a variety of plant foods is key to good health. Eating the same stuff every day does the exact opposite, especially when it comes to digestion and friendly gut bacteria.

Natural, whole, fresh prebiotics

Generally, all fresh ― and I mean truly fresh as in garden fresh or at least farmer’s market fresh ― plant foods contain tiny amounts of prebiotics as long as they are eaten raw. I should add that I am not suggesting that we all start digging for plant roots and eating them whole.

There are plenty of salad veggies, culinary herbs and sprouts that can be consumed for this purpose. Fruits a little less so, as they typically contain too much sugar which itself does not benefit the gut in terms of friendly bacteria production. At the same time, eating fresh fruit is better than eating processed junk.

“The fact that you’re seeing chicory root listed among the ingredients in the foods you buy is because it contains inulin, a carbohydrate fiber. Sometimes called “chicory root fiber”.”

Is Chicory Good for You? – Ask Dr. Weil

Chicory, endive & radicchio

The chicory root itself belongs to the types of lettuce known as endive and radicchio. Like most lettuce species, they can easily be grown in gardens or pots outdoors as long as the temperature is above freezing.

Coffee alternative?

Ground Chicory Root Powder is apparently a recently rediscovered caffeine-free coffee alternative, but by itself, is not for everyone. Most coffee alternatives constist of combinations of roasted, finely ground, brewed roots, nuts, seeds and beans.

Maca

One, perhaps, less known alternative is maca. Maca is a root vegetable which is traditionally eaten like potatoes, as a side dish. It might make for a pretty decent coffee alternative because of its energizing effect. However, in order for this effect to take place the powder should be consumed, which would make it a sort of a hot cacao alternative or, at least, more so than a coffee alternative.

Chicory, yuca, coconut & chestnut flour

By the way, chicory Root Powder, like yuca (cassava) root powder, can be used as a very mild sweetener. Personally, I found both to taste rather yucky.

Coconut palm sugar seems to be a much better sugar alternative.

Chicory root powder and yuca (cassava) root powder are about as sweet as coconut flour. So, while on the sweet side, they are no sweeter than, say, a baked sweet potato.

Also, chestnut flour tastes pretty good and is naturally sweet and can, technically, be viewed as another mild sweetener.

Health Benefits of Chicory Root – Global Healing Center
What Is Chicory Good For? – Mercola.com
Chicory Root Benefits | Annie’s Remedy

Katarina Nolte, author of "So Long Constipation, Part 1", "100 Steps to a Lean Body", "The Natural Path to Hormonal Wellness, Part 1", "49 Gluten-free Recipes", "50 Gluten-free Recipes" and "51 Gluten-free Recipes". Follow.

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