7 Benefits of polenta, nutrient-dense Italian grits

Polenta is grits that originated in Italy. The texture of the polenta will vary depending on the length of time it has been cooking and how long it has been before serving. When served immediately after cooking, the polenta is still hot and soft. Over time, the polenta will become thick, dense, and can be served sliced. Then what are the advantages and benefits of polenta for health? Check out the explanation below, let's go.

1. Rich in complex carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates are carbohydrates that contain fiber and starch. Complex carbohydrates are broken down in the body longer than simple carbohydrates, so they do not cause blood sugar fluctuations after meals. This condition makes energy available for longer in the body and can control appetite.

This type of carbohydrate is also good for people with diabetes mellitus because the release of glucose (sugar) into the body is done slowly and can control blood sugar.

Complex carbohydrates also keep you full longer, keep your digestive system healthy, and contain the vitamins and minerals your body needs. This is the benefit of polenta that is a pity to miss, especially for those of you who have digestive problems or want to reduce food portions.

2. Polenta is gluten-free

For people looking for foods that are gluten-free, polenta can be the right choice. Polenta is safe for consumption by people with Celiac disease or have gluten sensitivity. However, when you buy instant polenta products, you must still look at the contents on the product packaging whether there are certain additives or not that are actually harmful to you.

Celiac disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that is triggered by the ingestion of gluten into the intestines. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat-derived products.

When people with Celiac disease consume products that contain gluten, it will cause intestinal inflammation and this condition will interfere with the absorption of nutrients from other foods.

3. Contains vitamin A

Polenta contains vitamin A which has an important function in the immune system. Vitamin A maintains the epithelium, which is the body tissue that lines the lungs, digestive tract, lining of blood vessels, and skin. The presence of vitamin A in the epithelium protects bacteria or disease-causing microorganisms from entering the body.

Vitamin A is needed in maintaining visual acuity, especially needed by the retina of the eye to convert visual light into nerve signals to the brain.

4. Source of carotenoids

Carotenoids are pigments found in plant foods that can be converted into the form of vitamin A. Dietary intake contains carotenoids which are important for the body because carotenoids work as antioxidants to protect cells, tissues and organs in the body against the effects of free radicals that can contribute to cancer development. , heart disease, and eye disease.

Some carotenoids are converted into vitamin A and have the function of maintaining the immune system, eye health, and supporting growth and development processes.

5. Low fat

Basically, polenta is a food that is low in fat and safe to eat for a low fat diet. However, it all depends on how you cultivate this polenta. Avoid using additional saturated fats in cooking such as using butter. Cook with saturated fat ends up reducing the benefits of polenta.

6. Contains essential minerals

Polenta contains essential minerals, namely calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and zinc. Vitamins that are found in small amounts in polenta are vitamins B and E. One of the useful minerals is to maintain bone density and balance fluid levels in the body.

7. Polenta contains protein

The main component in polenta is carbohydrates, but polenta still contains protein. This protein functions in many metabolic processes and the formation of body structures in the body. Protein also functions in the formation of enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters. The balance of fluids in the body is also regulated by protein.