Large, golden grain — about 3x the size of modern wheat. 1 cup cooked provides 9.8g protein (highest common wheat variety), 65% DV selenium, 16% DV zinc, 14% DV magnesium, 17% DV iron, 7.4g fiber, and significant B vitamins. Higher lipid content than modern wheat (5x more lipids — providing more essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins per serving).
Available at health food stores (Whole Foods, Sprouts), Bob's Red Mill brand. Online from grain specialty suppliers. More expensive than modern wheat but affordable per serving.
The selenium density at 65% DV per cup is the most clinically significant attribute of kamut — making it the most selenium-rich grain in the database by far. For context, modern whole wheat provides about 6% DV selenium per cup. Kamut provides 10x more selenium per serving than modern wheat. Selenium's role in thyroid hormone conversion (T4→T3 via selenoproteins), glutathione peroxidase synthesis, and cancer prevention (selenium is the most evidence-based dietary cancer-preventive mineral in epidemiological studies) makes kamut the most thyroid-targeted grain available. A 2013 Italian RCT found a diet substituting kamut for modern wheat significantly reduced cardiovascular risk factors — LDL, blood pressure, blood glucose, and inflammatory markers — compared to the same foods made from modern wheat. The mechanism: kamut's higher antioxidant content, selenium, and less-processed protein structure drive superior metabolic outcomes.
Soak overnight. Simmer 1 cup kamut in 3 cups water for 45-60 min (or 20 min in pressure cooker). Use as a grain bowl base, in soups, as a pilaf — anywhere rice or barley is used. Has a nutty, slightly buttery flavor. Make kamut breakfast porridge with cinnamon and fruit.
Free, no account needed to ask.