Tehran, YJC. Food specialist says that samanu is a healthy food for the time of pregnancy.
Samanu is an Iranian dish made of ground germinating wheat
that tastes sweet without any sweetener added.
Dr. Maryam Shalileh said in interview with ISNA "Germinating
wheat is highly nutritious due to the increased nutrient levels that come by in
the process of germination.”
She added that dry grains lack vitamin C, whereas some vitamin
C is produced in the germination process.
"Also the protein that exists in wheat becomes more
absorbable in the germination process,” she further said.
Shalileh said that samanu contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, A,
E, and folic acid.
She also said "The vitamin E, which occurs in wheat in a
considerable amount, plays a key role in fighting free radicals. Also the folic
acid is one of the vitamins found in large amounts in samanu. Since during
pregnancy the need for folic acid increases, samanu can be a good food for this
period.”
She added "Samanu also contains minerals such as phosphor,
zinc, selenium, and potassium. Zinc is a mineral that has contributes to the
immune system as well as childhood and adolescence growth. Selenium is a
substance with anti-oxidant qualities. Potassium facilitates the production , stimulation,
and transfer of energy.”