Spelt vs Wheat

[ZGT Mummy]

OK so I'm attacking our diet bit by bit, trying to improve where I can :D At the moment I'm working on cutting out white flour as much as possible so I'm just wondering what the take on spelt is? I only ask as it makes a nice "white" loaf, but I'm guessing the mere fact that it does is an indication that it is refined, therefore just as bad?

On the up side, if it is just as bad then I have a good reason not to buy the little $7 loaves which I can't afford anyway! Though I was thinking of buying spelt flour and experimenting with making my own bread :eek:

[Serephina]

Spelt is quite similar to wheat, but the protein is not as strong so can be easier for some people's digestive systems to deal with. Are you wheat intolerant?

As for the bread - yes, it's expensive! If the bread you are buying is white I would assume that refined flour has been used rather than whole grain. Of course you could make your own with whole grain spelt flour if you can find some for a decent price.

I've not had much luck with 100% wheat free bread in my attempts so far, so do share if you find a good recipe :)

[deesalie]

Spelt is the "ancient" form of wheat. It depends on what part of the wheat you're intolerant too... some people can get away with spelt, others can't.

We grind the flour from the grain and then make bread and it is delish! Although, it's probably no cheaper than buying a loaf. But generally speaking, once a grain has been ground it loses the majority of it's nutritional benefits after 48 hours.

[magical1]

My wheat intolerant child can tolerate spelt...but only because I've experimented on him for a short time to see... If he had it for an extended period he may form some issues with it.

He's 11 now and can take small amounts of organic wheat now too as long as it is never two days in a row.

Just thought I'd add that.. know it doesn't answer the question.

[ZGT Mummy]

No I'm not wheat intolerant, in fact wheat seems to be the one allergy my family has missed so far! But I won't hold my breath!

It's just that I've been wheat free for DD but just recently started eating a bit and she's had a flare of eczema on her neck so I'm going back to wheat free, but need some decent bread!

At the same time, I'm trying to get us more healthy as a family and trying to get rid of the white bread and also the commercial breads with soy flour in them. That will mean making my own bread and I wanted to try spelt. I know it's rather similar to wheat but in terms of me breastfeeding at this stage I feel it's different enough for me to be able to eat it.

My allergy boy is fine with wheat so it's not an issue for him.

I guess my question really was, is white spelt flour as bad nutritionally speaking as white wheat flour. I guess any grain that has had all the good stuff stripped is pretty poor nutritionally?

Sorry if this seems logical, I'm just learning :D

I guess I need to see if I can find some wholegrain spelt flour then!

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

They sell wholegrain spelt flour. I would try that.

[Serephina]

I guess my question really was, is white spelt flour as bad nutritionally speaking as white wheat flour. I guess any grain that has had all the good stuff stripped is pretty poor nutritionally?!

You pretty much answered your own question there ;)

[3monkeys]

Just incase your interested you can buy direct from www.dovedale.co.nz and if you buy 15 loaves then shipping is free AND its only about $5 per loaf.

I use a loaf of simply organic and a loaf of that a week. Costs about $10 a week. Other than that I avoid bread.