Lose Weight and Prevent Disease...Like a Viking.

Sweden, which ranked ninth on last year’s World Happiness Report, credit their country’s happiness and health to eating rye bread for breakfast. Rye is an ancient grain that dates back to the early days of Vikings.

Ninety-nine percent of Sweden’s citizens are eating rye bread regularly to feel healthier. Rye has an extensive list of health benefits. Studies have shown that aside from helping with weight loss, rye can help prevent gallstones and other various types of cancer. It can also lower the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Something interesting about rye is that it retains its fiber even after the bran has been removed. Eating rye, as opposed to wheat, causes your blood pressure to rise less and more slowly.

Harvard University conducted a study which concluded that unprocessed whole grains for example rye, quinoa, and oats are much more beneficial to your health than refined wheat. Every kernel contains a bran, germ, and endosperm. The bran is the outermost layer. It is filled with fiber, B vitamins, and minerals. The bran also supplies phytochemicals, which are the natural chemical compounds in plants that prevent disease. The middle layer of the grain is the endosperm. This has carbohydrates and protein as well as a small amount of minerals and vitamins. The germ is the nutrient packed core of the grain. It contains B vitamins, Vitamin E, health fats, and phytochemicals.

If you take a trip to Scandinavia to experience the benefits of Nordic rye, it may not be what you are accustomed to in the United States. In Northern Europe, rye bread has a bumpier texture as well as a more bitter and nuttier taste than the rye bread that most Americans eat.

Do you fancy incorporating rye into your daily diet without consuming an entire loaf of bread? Instead of having that boring bowl of morning oats, spice up your breakfast with rye flakes.

Apple Cinnamon Rye Flakes

In a large bowl, mix...
--> ¼ cup rye flakes
--> ¾ cup water
--> One small diced apple
--> A dash of cinnamon
--> A dash of salt.

Cover the bowl and microwave for 3 to 5 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes, stir and enjoy.

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