Ancient Grains for the Modern World

Grains have been a staple of humans’ diets for the last 10,000 years, but the ways we grow, process, and eat grains vary considerably from our ancestors. Recently, ancient grains have made comeback, garnering praise for both their nutritional and environmental benefits. What makes these grains so special? Let’s take a look.

Ancient grains are loosely defined as whole grains that have been cultivated using the same techniques and without genetic modification for hundreds or (even thousands!) of years. Ancient grains include several varieties of wheat in addition to millet, barley, teff, sorghum, oats, quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, and chia.

 

Ancient grains are often discussed in comparison to modern staple grains such as wheat, corn, and rice, which have been modified over time through various mechanical, chemical and genetic technologies.

 

These technologies have allowed modern grain production to increase at an incredible rate – since 1960, worldwide production of wheat and other modern grains has tripled.1 What’s more, modifications to the ways in which these grains are cultivated has allowed them to grow in a variety of climates and environments around the world.

 

While producing wheat and other modern grains at this rate and scale has been beneficial in feeding a growing global population, it has also been shown to take a toll on the environment in numerous ways.

 

Synthetic fertilizers that aid crop cultivation produce high rates of greenhouse gases that are largely responsible for our warming planet. Moreover, these synthetic fertilizers and pesticides wash into lakes, rivers, and estuaries, disrupting ecosystems and endangering wildlife. Because of the ways they have been modified, grain production – particularly wheat – is also vulnerable to the increasing effects of climate change, as extreme heat and drought have impacted yields in the US in recent years.2

 

Modern grains that are cultivated and processed organically are much friendlier on our environment because they are grown without harmful synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Every flavor of JAMBAR is USDA certified organic and non-GMO, and we only use organically grown grains in all of our bars.

Despite their fancy title, ancient grains are varieties of whole grains that are similar in nutritional value to brown rice, oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and popcorn. Whole grains in general are more nutritious than refined grains because they retain the germ and bran, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Whole grains also contain high amounts of protein, a nutrient that is key to workout recovery, maintaining and growing muscle, and feeling satiated after meals and snacks. Most ancient grains boast high protein contents.  For example, 100 grams (about half a cup) of dried sorghum provides 11 grams of protein while 100 grams of dried quinoa provides 14 grams of protein!3 Because whole grains have consistently been shown to aid in preventing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and several types of cancers, it’s a great idea to regularly include them in your diet.4

 

All JAMBAR flavors contain organically grown and produced whole grains. Some of our grains (sorghum and quinoa) are ‘ancient’, while others (oat bran and brown rice) are ‘modern’. However, they all provide the essential nutrients we need to fuel healthy and active lifestyles.

 

Ancient grains can be an excellent addition to a balanced diet, promoting health for both our bodies and our environment. Choose organically grown whole grains when possible.