The summer months are filled with fun, excitement and soaking up the sun. But what’s even better is finding a filling meal that is easy to prepare and rich in much-needed vitamins and minerals. And couscous is a versatile and nutritious summer food.
We all know about the relationship between what you eat and how you feel. Many people look at healthy food and dietary choices as something that costs you now and doesn’t pay off until you’re in your eighties. This isn’t the case at all. What you eat today affects how you feel in a few hours from now. (Smoothie high is a thing). But couscous is a healthy summer food that can make you feel great straight away.
Not only that, but couscous impacts your mood and energy levels for the next few days as well. It affects your gut health and protects your blood vessels. And yes, it impacts your long-term health as well. The following explores some of the healthy summer foods you can eat right now to help make you feel good today. Of course, couscous also have long-term benefits, but today, the focus is on the short term.
Why couscous is a versatile and nutritious summer food
Unlike other pasta and wheat-based products, couscous is extremely rich in proteins, which make it a valuable source of energy. Proteins are essential for muscle strengthening and growth, which is ideal for the elderly as aging results in the loss of muscle mass.
Martino’s couscous is particularly good for your cardiovascular health. Its high levels of selenium allow it to protect blood vessels from dangerous cholesterol and plaque formations on their walls. It therefore prevents the body from many serious health conditions that appear with age, such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, the high value of potassium reduces blood pressure, helping your heart to beat regularly. This acts as good prevention against arrhythmia and other irregularities.
From a nutritional perspective, Martino’s range of couscous is considered a complete meal because it contains essential nutrients. Our couscous consists of whole grains, protein, vitamins and minerals. One cup provides 176 calories, which is 8% of the standard daily intake of 2000 for adults. This is especially good for the elderly who don’t need as much calories as physically active people.
One cup of Martino couscous also provides 61% of the recommended daily intake of selenium for seniors. Selenium is important for protecting blood vessels. Its antioxidant properties prevent blood vessels from atherosclerosis, which is the leading cause of heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Because natural sources of selenium are rare, it’s good for the elderly to incorporate Martino’s couscous products in their healthy eating routine.
Another ingredient couscous is rich in is potassium. One cup provides 39% of the recommended daily dose of potassium for seniors. This element has several important functions, including regulating blood pressure and palpitations. It also controls fluid balance in the body, but also facilitates the metabolism of other vitamins and minerals.
If you want to incorporate some fruits into your couscous meal and make for a filling summer dessert, pair Martino’s couscous with apple. Adding broccoli pesto to couscous also makes for a savoury treat. This recipe tastes wonderful when tossed together. Salt and pepper to taste before serving.
The natural, authentic Italian taste of Martino’s range of couscous products encourages more calorie intake during the warm summer months and will surely make it a favourite on your table. We are sure you will appreciate the lightness of couscous and its versatility in meal preparation. It can also help you feel stronger and energized, allowing you to enjoy the long sunny days.
Discover now all our tasty recipes to prepare couscous in many original ways
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