Legumes are the edible seeds contained in the pod of plants belonging to the Leguminosae family. Cultivated and consumed by man since ancient times: lentil, pea and soybean seeds have been found that date back to over 5000 years BC.
Legumes contain proteins in quantities equal to or greater than those of meat and twice as much as cereals. The proteins contained in legumes, however, alone are not enough to satisfy the daily requirement because they do not contain all the 8 essential amino acids, unlike meat, therefore they must be combined with cereals. Compared to animal proteins, vegetable ones (legumes and cereals) they have many advantages: they satiate more, are less caloric, with their soluble fiber the levels of cholesterol and glucose in the blood are regulated, with their insoluble fiber they facilitate the intestinal function keeping the intestine healthy, they create less waste products during their metabolism, thus causing less fatigue at the kidney level.
Spelled (Triticum dicoccum) is a cereal that belongs to the grass family. Rich in nutrients, it also has a high content of selenium which counteracts free radicals. Poor in essential amino acids, it is instead a good source of vitamins and mineral salts. Contains vitamins of groups A, B, C, E in addition to calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium and potassium. It is a good source of protein and iron and contains a lot of fiber. Its main property, however, lies in the content of selenium and phytic acid that counteract the action of free radicals, the main causes of aging and all forms of cellular degeneration, for example tumors.
