When we think of grains, we often think of evil carbohydrates. We don’t usually think of them as lifesaving foods. In fact the healing power of certain grains can be more so than fruit and vegetables. The reason? Unlike fruits and berries, they contain more bound phytonutrients that are released in the intestines during digestion rather than free phytonutrients destroyed in the stomach by digestive acids. That translates to massive antioxidant power.

Rye is one such supergrain that ranks in the top 3 manganese-containing grains. High in insoluble fiber, rye is a helpful defence against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, bowel health, gallstones and weight gain. Hair, nails, bones and teeth also benefit from important amino acids contained within. TCM views rye as bitter and beneficial for the Liver/Gallbladder to clear stagnation (emotional, physical, energetic), facilitates weight loss, and arterial cleansing and renewal.
I enjoy rye in the form of pumpernickel. I love the moist crunch. It’s dark, earthy richness is satisfying and rarely do I need more than 2 or 3 slices with light toppings to get me through hungry afternoons. Here, I’ve topped pumpernickel with Meredith marinated goats cheese, baby roma tomatoes, avocado, coriander and a squeeze of fresh lemon.