Are Ancient Grains Really Better For You?

Ancient grains like Spelt, Emmer, and Einkorn are making a comeback, but are they better for you than modern wheats? The answer is, as usual, not a simple 'yes' or 'no'.

Hosted by: Hank Green
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[Kalleosini]

''we use about 550 metric tons of wheat per year''
who are ''we''? humanity? USA?
important detail

[__-tzyx]

My mom uses spelt in baking because she's allergic to something in modern wheat. So getting production up to where it's less expensive would be fantastic

[SquidDesign]

Whether a grain is more economically feasible or expedient is a far different issue than whether it’s “better” for you or not.

[MrMdurling]

A big benefit to ancient grains that he didn't go into is the low gluten to gliodin ratio that causes inflammation. These grains are a great option for people who have issues eating modern wheat.

[rugby]

Interesting video but I was surprised that you didn't cover the digestive impacts these have on the body. I read that modern wheat is more difficult to digest since the glutine of the hybrid wheat is much stronger, and therefore more difficult for humans to digest, and can even cause inflammation in the body. Is this scientifically backed up? Could you consider doing another more in depth video? Thanks!

[cptncatholi]

For me, "less gluten" means fewer migraines, fewer allergies, better sleep and more focus when working. Which is a good thing.

[PockieGrimmjow]

Decent quality but I thought the video was a bit grainy. Just me?

[IceMetalPunk]

I'd find it amusing if we selectively bred these up for better properties, and they ended up becoming basically just modern wheat XD

[prinz]

You answered the question if ancient grains better for us just by comparing the protein values?!?! That's really weak. What about vitamins minerals and the other good jazz?

[dmac]

Hohenheim is Ed and Al's father silly

[MagiciteHeart]

Speaking of grass, can you do an episode on how amazing bamboo is? It's tragically underappreciated in the Western world.

[PhilippeOrlando]

I think there is a mistake in this presentation. Modern wheat doesn't have all the amino acids. Einkorn does. So in that respect Einkorn has a better protein profile than modern wheat.

[Koinonos]

I think there are (2) additional factors mentioning. (note: I have added paragraph breaks to this for better readability, here's hoping they stay in)

#1.) Modern wheat is devoid of much of the best nutritional parts of the wheat itself to make it last longer in the supply chain. This excerpt from Wikipedia says it well: “From a human nutrition standpoint, it is ironic that wheat milling methods to produce white flour eliminate those portions of the wheat kernel (bran, germ, shorts, and red dog mill streams) that are richest in proteins, vitamins, lipids and minerals.” 

So to make wheat last longer we have to strip out the good stuff which means pests and bacteria no longer want it.. But's that's the point - if they don't want it then it means there must be a reason.. a nutritional content reason..

#2) The Rise of Wheat sensitivities - There is growing data to suggest that the weeds that Dr. Borlaug used to make wheat grow shorter and faster in the 1950's and 60's are the proteins signatures that most people are actually allergic to.  According to his Wikipedia entry, Borlaug led initiatives that “involved the development of high-yielding varieties of cereal grains, expansion of irrigation infrastructure, modernization of management techniques, distribution of hybridized seeds, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides to farmers.”

This actually bears true for me and my family as we are Celiacs.  We can tolerate ancient grains (wheat strains) just fine, but we have allergic responses to the Hybrid Wheat-weed strains now being used since the 1960's for more yield per hectare.

[JeshikaKazeno]

Wait, so they didn't give the older grains as much nitrogen as the newer ones? Nitrogen in the soil is very important for wheat yields (and other grains). Studies have consistently shown this. That's why some people grow soybeans in between their wheat or corn harvests -- the soybeans fix nitrogen from the air so that other plants can access it in the soil. That's a biased study. You're not supposed to change multiple variables at once without a control group for each one.

[campshay]

i love you so much for making videos using science to shut up stupid trendy dieters

[Mollchicken]

I really love Spelt, but just for the taste, never knew it is an "ancient grain" with different nutritions.
And Hank, your pronounciation of "Einkorn" was perfect.

[Plotatothewondercat]

+SciShow All I want is for nipa grass/palmer's grass to get domesticated into a commercially viable form. It will do wonders for the world.
'Cause, y'know, being able to grow with saltwater, or on salinated soil.

[VladTchompalov]

Why is gluten considered a high-quality protein?

[benhael]

Monsanto financed video. Makes me lol.

[Eban]

We ought bring them back if only to increase the genetic diversity of our food sources.