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WHAT IS SPELT?

Spelt is one of the oldest grains known to mankind. Grown as far back as 5000 BC, the spelt grain has hardly changed from that time until today. In fact, spelt was even referred to in the Bible, mentioned in both Exodus 9:32 and Ezekiel 4:9.

While still common in many parts of the world, including Europe, spelt lost popularity in America as commercial growers looked for higher yield crops to provide for mass production.

It is the integrity of modern spelt to the original grain that has rekindled interest of those looking for a more nutritious alternative to the highly processed grains currently available.

HOW SPELT COMPARES TO WHEAT

Unlike the wheat most Americans have come to know, spelt has not been changed for centuries. Wheat production in America demanded higher gluten for commercial foods and a plant that was easy to grow and harvest. With these changes much of the wheat grown lost its nutritious value and became easy targets to pests requiring pesticides and insecticides to protect it during growth.

Spelt became less popular because of its hard outer husk which made it difficult to process. However, this husk protects the spelt from pests and pollutants and helps the grain to maintain its nutrient value.

The spelt grain is high in fibre and has more protein than conventional wheat. It is full of amino acids and a good source of B vitamins. Spelt is easier to digest than regular wheat and has a subtle nutty flavor that many appreciate.

One of the most desirable qualities of this nutritious and tasty grain is that individuals with allergies to wheat may be able to tolerate spelt grains and products.

WHERE CAN YOU GET SPELT?

Spelt is sold through organic health food stores. You can buy spelt grain, whole grain and white flours. Spelt products also include pasta, hot or cold cereals, cookies, crackers, bread, muffins, cakes and pancake mixes.

ADAPTING RECIPES FOR SPELT GRAIN

When baking with spelt you will need to adapt the recipe to account for the difference between spelt and traditional wheat. Increasing the amount of flour or decreasing the amount of liquids will enable you to use spelt in most recipes asking for wheat.

Spelt needs to be soaked overnight before cooking. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Let it simmer in a covered pot for an hour.

THE CASE FOR SPELT

Spelt has many features that make it stand out as the ecologically and nutritionally superior grain available. The tough husk means it can be grown without pesticides and insecticides and helps preserve freshness when stored. Its high nutritional value can’t be compared to hybrid wheat currently produced and it appears to be easier for the body to tolerate.

Spelt is not new to the world, but if you haven’t tried it before, now is the time to introduce yourself to the oldest secret to healthy eating!

Are you contemplating a home birth? Perhaps like many women in North America you are seeking to avoid invasive medical treatments and desire a relaxed, warm environment to welcome your child into.

If this is the first home birth you are considering it is wise to ask questions regarding the safety of the home birth experience. What should you consider before deciding and what steps should you take to ensure the health of yourself and your infant?

IS HOME BIRTH AS SAFE AS HOSPITAL DELIVERY?

The answer, according to a study performed by Kenneth Johnson of the Public Health Agency of Canada and Betty-Anne Daviss of the Safe Motherhood/Newborn Initiative, is that home births can be a safe option for low risk pregnancies.

The research conducted on 5418 women in the US and Canada showed that home births resulted in lower medical intervention than similar low risk births in hospitals. That means less epidurals, episiotomies, forceps deliveries, vacuum extractions, and caesarean sections than those given to women with low risk pregnancies who delivered in the hospital.

During the study only 12% of the women were transferred to hospital during labor or postpartum. All of the women in the study planned a home birth before labor and were attended to by a certified midwife.

Despite the lack of medical intervention, the health of the mother and infant was similar to the health of mother and baby who delivered in the hospital. If you are considering a home birth it is essential to have a registered nurse-midwife or doctor who is experienced in home birth deliveries to be present.

Still, professionals disagree on the safety of home births in America and despite the rising costs of doctors and hospital births, many feel that a birth belongs in the hospital rather than the home.

WHO MIGHT CONSIDER A HOME BIRTH?

Home births are only recommended as an option for low risk pregnancies. Traditionally, births were always made at home, among family and friends, but industrialization has changed the way many look at birth. Instead of considering a birth to be a medical emergency, it should be recognized as a natural process. When a woman with a low risk pregnancy arranges for professional midwife or physician care, a home birth can be considered a safe and natural process.

However, high risk pregnancies and lack of professional assistance will greatly increase the risk to both mother and child in a home birth. If you have complications with your pregnancy, including a previous caesarean, high blood pressure, diabetes or multiple gestation, a home birth should not be attempted.

Giving birth at home is an experience that women throughout the world and throughout history have shared. If you are interested in a home birth contact a midwife or speak to your obstetrician about your options.

Christian online dating is one of the safest portals for meeting other people for dating or a serious relationship. Most people consider online dating as an option in getting to know other people outside of their circle. The Christian community now utilizes this current trend of communication to widen their reach and to create a fun-loving environment.

You can search thousands of other Christian profiles and get to know each one online. There’s a vast Christian network that has varied interests, hobbies, likes and dislikes. You can check out their profiles and you may even find one that you like. Christian online dating has proved to be very effective for most people who participate with friendships and often blooms into serious relationships.

Christian online dating provides a very comfortable environment and is considered safe. The online dating community is a place where you can create lasting relationships for acquaintance, friendship, companionship, romance, and can even lead to a permanent commitment.

A Christian online dating website should include chat rooms where you can have fun discussions. You can also post memos and notes on message boards and share pictures with photo galleries. And of course, you can send personal messages to private mail boxes. Many dating websites also feature instant messaging and voice introductions for a more personal touch. Some of the Christian websites even offer Christian dating services aside from online matching.

In a Christian online dating site, the center is spirituality. You include faith in your search for a mate. Most people go to a Christian community for dates because they prefer to have somebody within their faith. People here believe they have filtered out the dates with people who may not share the same set of values.

Mellow people usually belong to this group of online daters. They are those who dislike too much loud music, bar hopping, and disco dancing. Most dates here end in a cozy restaurant or a sweet music place. Although this is not necessarily true all the time, it can be frequently observed on date outcomes based on testimonials.

Dating a stranger sharing your beliefs would be more reassuring than starting with somebody who does not share the same principles. If you are joining a Christian online dating site, you’ll know what you can expect. And as implied, the online society is Christ-centered. And by association, Christ is all pure love and kindness. If you join the group, this indicates you support Christian values and standards. Meeting the love of your life could be a possibility!