The average American consumes over 65% more grain products, such as refined flour, than in the 70’s.  Refined and processed flour, which is added to most commercial and prepackaged foods on the grocery shelf, is actually quite toxic to the body and does much more harm than good.  It is true that whole grains are healthier, such as whole wheat versus white and brown rice versus white rice, but they are still acidic and can put a strain on the digestive system.  Grains should truly be eaten in their sprouted form and tortillas, which are a staple for most families, are amazing and easily digested when sprouted.

Ezekiel makes great sprouted tortillas – simply put, the grains are soaked, in their raw natural state, in water for 12-24 hours (depending on the grain), rinsed and then set out to sprout for a day or so.  This whole sprouting process releases the enzyme inhibitors in the grain, making the grain rich in enzymes, which help with digestion, increases the protein, increases the minerals and vitamins, and increases digestibility.  A sprouted grain is rich in fiber and has a great cleansing affect on the colon, compared to normal flour which tends to create a glue-like texture in the gut and sticks to your “pipes”, sometimes taking up to 3 days to digest.  All this does is create fermentation, bloating, gas and a lack of energy.  Not so fun!

I don’t even bother buying bread any longer, which is denser and often times has gluten or yeast added to it.  Ezekiel tortillas are filling and rich in complex carbohydrates which are absorbed slowly into the blood stream – great for diabetics – and keeps you satisfied longer.

They are a staple for me – part of the 10% cooked foods in my daily diet.  I make wraps with them, using raw pates that I make, toast them with goat cheese, smear on peanut butter and jelly for my son, and even make tostada shells with them.  I love that one tortilla has 6 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber and are rich in iron, B’s and even magnesium!  Try them out J

Related posts:

1. Wraps – The Perfect healthy fast food
2. The Carbohydrate Dilemma
3. Your Relationship with Food – Functional vs. Dysfunctional Foods
4. Food Journal Day 2: Bites of this and that!
5. Rebekah’s Food Journal Day 1