Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) is regarded as the first female physician in Germany, the originator of German alternative medicine, and recognized for her contributions to holistic health and wellness. She closely observed and documented human ailments and remedies, discovering many healing plants and natural remedies. As an early nutritionist, she promoted the prevention of disease and illness by natural means and taught living in moderation in all aspects. I was introduced to spelt while researching her life and teachings, and I am now sharing the wonders of spelt with you!
Health Benefits
My husband and I start every day with a bowl of cooked spelt flakes, which has replaced steel cut oats as the center of a healthy breakfast for us. This decision was based upon what I learned from reading about Hildegard of Bingen. She wrote:
Spelt is the best grain; it is warming, fattening, strengthening, has a high quality, and is milder than any other grain. Spelt produces firm flesh and good blood, provides a happy mind and a joyful spirit. No matter how you eat spelt, either as a bread or in other foods, it is good and easy to digest.
How does spelt compare to other grains? According to Hildegard:
Spelt is the only grain that is beneficial during times of illness or recuperation. Oats are good for healthy persons; promoting beautiful skin; leads to health and happiness. Wheat is only good as wholewheat or graham and only for baking. Rye is only good for healthy persons; excellent for those who tend to have heavy fat deposits (hard workers); detrimental for persons with weak stomachs (gastritis). Barley injures healthy persons and those with anemia and poor circulation, for barley lacks the values which are found in the other grains.
We decided to give spelt flakes a try. Guess what — spelt is delicious! Spelt has a "gentler" taste and texture, and we both prefer it over oatmeal. I also have found it much easier to digest. Hildegard’s strong recommendation was spot on.
Optional Additions
Here are some of my suggestions for additions to your bowl of spelt flakes, or oatmeal.
Walnuts or some sort of nuts or nut butter. If you don’t have nuts, add some sort of fat to increase the overall absorption of nutrients and to feed your brain. Some days I add a half teaspoon or so of coconut oil as that gives both a good mouth feel and helps me to not feel hungry as soon.
Adaptogen Powder helps me adapt to whatever I might run into in my day. I actually feel a bit out of sorts if I forget to add adaptogen powder for a few days.
Cinnamon powder is great for many things, including regulating blood sugar
levels and reducing sugar cravings, which is what initially drew me to cinnamon years ago.
Mix of chia and hemp seeds. There are many good reasons they have become so popular. They are tiny powerhouses of nutrition and add a good amount of fiber to boot. Both are great sources of plant-based protein, fiber, healthy fatty acids and a variety of minerals. They contain omega-3 fatty acids called alpha linolenic acid, which helps improve brain function and boosts the immune system.
Raw cacao beans, broken up a bit. Several years ago, a friend who is also a nutritionist, suggested that every morning we should add raw cacao and bee pollen to our oatmeal because both cacao and bee pollen are “complete” foods.
Bee Pollen — I can’t even begin to expound on all the benefits of bee pollen. I have found that the teaspoon commonly suggested is too much for my digestion, and I typically add closer to 1⁄4 teaspoon. Start with a few grains and work up to the amount that works best for you.
Occasionally I add in pumpkin seeds, fresh fruits, coconut shreds, dried fruits such as raisins or goji berries. And I often top it off with a banana for their sweetness and taste — and because I like them.
After adding all this deliciousness, it will likely turn out rather thick. Since I often start out my day with a mug of tea using my Calm Energy Blend powder, I usually add some of that — or whatever hot tea I am drinking — to thin it out a bit. Or perhaps some homemade kefir.
I assure you that you can put together a delicious bowl of spelt in the morning faster than it took me to describe. But here’s one final tip. I cook enough spelt flakes at one time to last for the week and I keep all the additional ingredients together in a container for a quick mix. Enjoy!
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