The Benefits of Kamut

With its nutty flavor, kamut, which is also called Khorasan wheat, makes a worthwhile addition to your diet. It is available at health food stores, as well as at some grocery stores, as dry grains, or baked into breads, crackers and other baked goods. Kamut boasts a broad nutritional profile, and it provides a considerable amount of protein, fiber, and several minerals.

Close-up of a kamut breakfast cereal. (Image: Quasarphoto/iStock/Getty Images)

Fiber and Protein

Kamut provides you with fiber, a type of carbohydrate, and protein, an essential macronutrient. Protein plays a central role in maintaining strong tissue, and also aids in oxygen transport and immune function, while fiber helps lower your cholesterol, fights type 2 diabetes and maintains digestive health. Each 1-cup serving of cooked kamut contains 10 grams of protein, or 17 percent of the protein requirements for an average 150-pound individual, according to intake guidelines published by Iowa State University Extension. A cup of cooked kamut also provides you with 7.4 grams of dietary fiber, which is 28 percent of the daily intake recommended for women and 19 percent recommended for men, as set by the Institute of Medicine.

Selenium and Manganese

Consume kamut as an excellent source of the essential minerals selenium and manganese. Each serving contains the entire daily recommended manganese intake for women and 78 percent for men, as set by the Institute of Medicine. Kamut also contains 55 micrograms of selenium per serving -- your entire daily selenium requirement. Both minerals function as antioxidants, which means they protect you from genetic mutations and cell membrane damage caused by free radicals. They also support your body's hormone balance -- manganese helps you synthesize sex hormones, while selenium supports the production of thyroid hormones.

Magnesium and Zinc

Kamut also benefits your health by providing considerable amounts of magnesium and zinc. Each serving contains 83 milligrams of magnesium -- 20 percent of the recommended daily intake for men and 26 percent for women, as set by the Institute of Medicine, as well as 40 and 29 percent of the recommended daily zinc intakes for women and men. A diet rich in zinc benefits your immune system and promotes healthy thyroid function, while magnesium strengthens bone tissue and activates enzymes your cells need to function.

Consuming More Kamut

Boil kamut until it is tender, and use it as a base for salads. Its slightly nutty flavor pairs well with toasted pecans, dried apricots, orange slices and a cranberry maple vinaigrette, or with a mixture of roasted red pepper, kale, green onion and a lemon tahini dressing. Alternatively, process raw kamut grains in your blender or food processor, and use them to make healthful porridge. Add more nutritional value by topping your porridge with blueberries and Greek yogurt, or with fresh cranberries and sliced strawberries.