Smart Flour Foods

Teff flour is one of those unique flours. Teff is exceptionally rich in protein and other nutrients.  Because teff grains are small, the bulk of the grain consists of the bran and germ (the most nutritious part of any grain).  In addition, teff has a high calcium content and contains elevated levels of phosphorous, iron, copper, aluminum, barium, and thiamine. It is considered to have an excellent amino acid composition, with lysine levels higher than wheat or barley. Teff is also a good source of fiber and carbohydrates.

Amaranth flour is the other unique flour used in our Smart Flour blend.  The amaranth seed is high in protein (15-18%) and contains respectable amounts of lysine and methionine, two essential amino acids that are not frequently found in grains.

It is high in fiber and contains calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C.  The fiber content of amaranth is three times that of wheat and its iron content is five times more than found in wheat. It contains two times the calcium of milk. Cooked amaranth is 90% digestible.

Amaranth also contains tocotrienols (a form of vitamin E) which have cholesterol-lowering effects in humans. Amaranth consists of 6-10% oil, which is found mostly within the germ. The oil is predominantly unsaturated and is high in linoleic acid, which is important in human nutrition.

Sorghum flour is one of the oldest known grains and is a major food source in Africa and India. Sorghum is also high in insoluble fiber, with relatively small amounts of soluble fiber.  It contains higher amounts of iron and protein than other flours.