High in nutrients
Teff is extremely nutritious. Teff flour has the following nutrients in 3.5 ounces (100 grams):
- Calories: 366
- Protein: 12.2 grams
- Fat: 3.7 grams
- Carbs: 70.7 grams
- Fiber: 12.2 grams
- Iron: 37% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Calcium: 11% of the DV
It's worth noting that the nutritional makeup of teff tends to vary greatly depending on variety, growing location, and brand. Nonetheless, teff is a rich provider of copper, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, and selenium when compared to other cereals. It's also a good source of protein, as it contains all of the essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein in your body.
It has a lot of lysines, an amino acid that is commonly missing in cereals. Lysine is required for the synthesis of proteins, hormones, enzymes, collagen, and elastin, as well as calcium absorption, energy generation, and immunological function. Some nutrients in teff flour, however, may be poorly absorbed because they are associated with antinutrients such as phytic acid. Lacto-fermentation can be used to minimize the effects of these chemicals. Mix teff flour with water and let it at room temperature for a few days to ferment. Lactic acid bacteria and yeasts, either naturally occurring or introduced, then break down the sugars and some of the phytic acid.
