The couscous is originally from the Berber tribes of North Africa and has become a staple food throughout the region. The Arabic word “kishusu” comes from the Berber language. The main ingredient is wheat semolina, which is sprinkled with water and rolled between the hands to form small pellets. These pellets are dusted with dry flour so that the grains remain separate. Then the pellets are sifted, and those that fall through the sieve undergo the process until all grains are finished. Once this process is completed, they are spread out and dried in the sun.
Couscous is a highly nutritious food containing selenium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, thiamine, niacin, folic acid, manganese, and other vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of fiber and protein and is a holistic healing food. Couscous is high in carbohydrates, essential for boosting energy in the body. It also contains choline, a nutrient that helps in the healthy functioning of the brain, liver, and nerves and creates normal metabolism. Folate is a blood purifier, so couscous is a catalyst for a healthy vascular system. Its calcium content is beneficial for healthy bones and teeth, preventing osteoporosis. Couscous also promotes skin health, as well as acting as a relaxing agent, relieving insomnia and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Benefits of Couscous
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Improves Cardiovascular Health
It is used to promote cardiovascular health due to its selenium content. This mineral is an antioxidant that helps remove plaque build-up in blood vessels and lower cholesterol levels. In this way, it reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as atherosclerosis.
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Boosts the Immune System
The couscous is an excellent food to strengthen the immune system as an antioxidant that reduces the incidents of free radicals and other toxins in the blood. It stimulates the regeneration of vitamins C and E in the body, helping it fight disease. It also protects healthy cells from mutations caused by toxins that alter DNA and the structural composition of cells, which may cause disease and premature aging.
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Heals Wounds
Thanks to its high protein content, it stimulates the enzymes essential to the healing process of injuries. It is an excellent food for those recovering from surgery. Couscous is also recommended to fight illnesses, helping to strengthen the body.
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Aids Digestion and Weight Loss
With a high fiber content, couscous is a great slimming food. It prepares quickly, delaying snack time, and is low in calories but satiates by limiting the secretion of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger. Couscous also aids digestion and is a healthy addition to maintain a healthy gastrointestinal system. Fiber adds bulk, stimulating peristaltic movement and cleansing the lower digestive tract.
Couscous in its natural form can only be obtained from countries around the Mediterranean basin. Couscous from the UK, the United States, and other countries is precooked by steaming or prepared and is mainly an instant food that requires a few minutes to be soaked in hot water. Natural couscous can be purchased at specialty stores in Mediterranean countries; natural foods markets sell organic couscous, and supermarkets also offer non-organic couscous varieties. The food can be added to the menu as a side dish, as a bed for meat dishes, served with vegetables, and added to salads. Couscous can be frozen for up to three months.
