Bulgur is a whole grain food that has a characteristic mild taste. It is low in fat, rich in fiber and minerals, which makes it a suitable part of a healthy diet.
Consumption of bulgur can help relieve chronic inflammation , thus providing protection against certain diseases. A 2008 clinical study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who consumed high amounts of betaine , a metabolite found in whole grains, had lower levels of homocysteine in their bodies. It is a marker of chronic inflammation , which is associated with the development of heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes .
Consumption of bulgur also reduces the risk of developing gallstones . The insoluble fiber it contains helps make food easier for the gut to pass through, helps the body use insulin more efficiently and lowers blood triglyceride levels.
There is evidence that bulgur can also provide a protective effect against cancer. A 2007 clinical study found that pre- menopausal women who ate a high-bulgur diet had a lower risk of breast cancer .
The amount of one cup of boiled bulgur provides 8.19 g of dietary fiber, which is about 33% of the recommended daily intake.
This food is a rich source of manganese , as the mentioned amount delivers 1.11 mg of the mineral, which is about 50% of the recommended daily intake. Manganese is a mineral found in bones and some internal organs and is essential for normal brain and nerve function, say researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center in the United States.
This element also helps in the formation of connective tissue , as well as the processes associated with blood clotting.