It is a very valuable and nutritious, semi-ready foodstuff consisting of only water and wheat, obtained by cleaning, boiling, drying the wheat, peeling the skin and grinding in different types of mills, separating the grains of different sizes.
Grain group is an important and economical carbohydrate source rich in minerals located at the base of the nutrition pyramid. Bulgur is also a valuable food in the grain group. In order to better understand bulgur, it is necessary to know wheat, which is its main raw material, very well.
Wheat consists of 3 parts, the core bran and the endosperm, and most of the essential nutrients are included in the core and bran section. The endosperm is the only part of the wheat that gives energy with the carbohydrates and few proteins it contains. Core and bran in the structure of wheat; minerals such as zinc, magnesium, chromium, dietary fiber, some phenols, phytates and selenium; It also contains all B vitamins except B12.
The Difference of Bulgur
In products made from wheat, micronutrients in the whole core and bran part are separated during the processing of wheat, and as in white bread, only the energy-giving part of the wheat reaches us. However, bulgur is a product that meets the definition of whole grain; because wheat does not experience this milling stage during bulgur production and a product with higher protein, vitamin, mineral and dietary fiber is produced. In addition, the fact that the glycemic index is lower than pasta and rice makes bulgur even healthier among such foods. In short, bulgur; It reaches us as a very valuable food item rich in fiber, low in carbohydrates and high in protein.
Benefits of Bulgur
The fact that it contains a very high amount of fiber has brought bulgur to an important position from intestinal work. The fact that the fibers also have a satiating feature gives bulgur an important role in weight control. As stated by the World Health Organization, we need around 25-30 g of fiber per day. 1 plate of bulgur meets this need in a significant amount. Vitamin B1 in its structure; It plays an important role in strengthening our nervous and digestive system. In addition, this vitamin should be consumed regularly to prevent beriberi. Apart from all these, thanks to the folic acid it contains in its structure, it is very necessary to improve the intelligence level of the babies of pregnant mothers. Due to the low glycemic index of bulgur, bulgur keeps you full for a long time and is a product that can be used in diets as it mixes slowly into the blood. It is also recommended for diabetics. In addition, it is a product that offers a lot of variety because it is an ingredient used in salads, hot and cold dishes.
Bulgur-Pasta, Rice?
Nutritionists grouped foods into 5 groups. These groups are; meat group, dairy group, cereal group, fruit and vegetable group, sugar and fat group. Grain group has an important place for us and they are cheap energy sources. This important position is that we meet 70% of the energy and protein in our consumption from cereals.
As can be seen in the table below, the nutritional value of bulgur is much higher than other grains. Bulgur contains more protein, calcium, potassium and phosphorus than rice. The amount of B vitamins and iron is three times higher than rice and pasta. Since the mineral substances and B vitamins that pass into the water during the boiling of the wheat are reabsorbed by the grain, the nutritional value of the bulgur is not lost.
Bulgur is a good source of pulp because it is wholegrain. The bran in bulgur is insoluble in water. Therefore, it prevents the rise of blood sugar and blood fats by reducing the absorption of sugar and fat. By accelerating the work of the digestive system, it prevents many of the negative effects of inactivity to the human body (such as constipation, colon cancer).
With the pre-cooking process applied during production, the starch in the wheat becomes gelatinized and gains a hard structure after the drying process. So it lasts longer. In addition, it is easier to cook and digest due to the pre-cooking process. Bulgur is a nutritious, satisfying, delicious and economical food.