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Can children under 2 years old eat bulgur? Bulgur: losing weight, healing, becoming more beautiful. Meat pie with bulgur

Bulgur is a wheat grain without a shell, which is steamed, dried and crushed in several ways. Depending on the degree of crushing and grinding, medium, small bulgur or koftelik and large bulgur or pilavlik are distinguished. This cereal can be used instead of rice or pilaf, as porridge and a second dish, and added to soups, pies and salads. This product has a subtle nutty flavor, while its nutritional value is equal to pasta made from durum wheat or semolina.

Due to preliminary heat treatment, bulgur becomes more crumbly, soft, light and tasty than classic wheat porridge. Many people add bulgur to mushroom soup or pickle soup, to minced meat, which then becomes a filling for cabbage rolls and stuffed peppers, pies. And bulgur porridge will be a suitable dish for a diet menu. In this article we will look at whether bulgur can be consumed while breastfeeding.

Composition and properties of bulgur

Bulgur has the same properties as wheat groats. It contains B vitamins, vitamin E and K. Includes phosphorus and iron, zinc and manganese, copper and potassium, calcium, sodium and many other useful elements. Bulgur contains unsaturated fatty acids, a large amount of mineral salts and fiber.

Cereals have a number of useful properties:

  • Improves hematopoiesis;
  • Improves memory and functioning of nerve cells;
  • Cleanses the body and blood vessels;
  • Eliminates and stabilizes stool;
  • Normalizes metabolism;
  • Helps fight stress and improve sleep, relieves fatigue, anxiety and nervousness;
  • Has a beneficial effect on the condition of hair. They become shiny and vibrant, grow quickly and fall out less;
  • Improves skin condition, gives the face a healthy color;
  • Stabilizes digestion and intestinal function;
  • Restores strength and is suitable for people with heavy physical activity;
  • Quickly saturates the body and satisfies hunger;
  • Stabilizes blood sugar levels and is useful for diabetes;
  • Increases immunity;
  • Stabilizes heart function.

Bulgur contains more calories than buckwheat, millet or rice. However, when consumed in small quantities, it does not contribute to weight gain. In addition, even a small portion of cereal will quickly saturate the body and satisfy hunger. Porridge cooked in plenty of water will be an excellent dish for weight loss. The main thing is not to abuse it!

Please note that the product contains gluten or gluten. This is a dangerous protein that can cause an allergic reaction in a baby who is not yet accustomed to new conditions and a new diet. Despite this, bulgur and wheat porridge are the most easily digestible and digestible among all gluten grains. Moreover, they are low-allergenic food. Therefore, the consumption of such products by a nursing mother is not prohibited.

Bulgur during breastfeeding

Gluten cereals during breastfeeding should be introduced after gluten-free ones. Buckwheat and rice porridges are considered the safest. Then oatmeal and millet are introduced. Along with millet porridge, you can also add bulgur. Start introducing it in the third or fourth month of lactation with bulgur porridge cooked in water. For taste, you can add a little vegetable oil or breast milk to the dish. By six months they gradually switch to milk porridge.

Begin administration with one spoon. Carefully monitor your baby's reaction, as gluten products can cause allergies. If your child’s health worsens and symptoms of a food allergy appear, immediately remove the dish from the menu and consult a doctor. Usually, for this disease, a gluten-free diet is prescribed, which includes foods and dishes that are safe for the baby.

If you are allergic to gluten, you can safely eat buckwheat and rice, corn porridge, potatoes and various vegetables, lean fish and meats, vegetable oil and cottage cheese, beans and soy products. Read more about the harmful and beneficial properties of gluten.

The first portions of porridge should not exceed 50 grams. Then the dose is gradually increased to 150 grams. However, feeding should not exceed two to three times a week. Bulgur should not be consumed if you are allergic to gluten!

Bulgur porridge can be introduced into complementary feeding for infants after including other types of cereals. It is important both during breastfeeding and during complementary feeding to introduce porridges sequentially and with an interval of a week between different types of cereals. The safest bulgur dish for a nursing mother and infant is a small portion of porridge boiled in plenty of water. This dish is easily digestible, quickly saturates the body and will not allow you to gain excess weight.

How to cook bulgur porridge

To prepare porridge, it is better to take large bulgur, called pilavlik. Add olive oil to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. When it heats up, add a glass of unwashed cereal and fry the grains. After two to three minutes, pour in two glasses of water, lightly salt and cover with a lid. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the porridge becomes crumbly. You can first fry the dry grains in a frying pan, and then put them in a saucepan, add water and cook.

To cook porridge in a slow cooker, use the frying mode. To prepare, place butter at the bottom of the container and add a glass of bulgur. Roast the grains for about eight minutes and then pour in two glasses of water. Switch the appliance to cooking mode and cook for 15-20 minutes. The finished dish can be salted.

Porridge is an indispensable dish in the diet of a nursing mother, which saturates the body with vitamins and beneficial elements. In order for lactation to be successful and for the baby to have no digestive problems, at first it is recommended to prepare porridge without salt and other spices. After a month of breastfeeding, you can add a little salt to the dish, then vegetables, nuts, and dried fruits are included in the recipe.

How and what kind of porridge to prepare while breastfeeding, read the link. If the baby responds well to bulgur porridge, after the fourth month of lactation you can diversify the diet with other dishes from this cereal.

Other bulgur dishes

Lebanese salad

  • Small bulgur (koftelik) – 3 tablespoons;
  • Bell pepper – 1⁄2 pcs.;
  • Onions – 1⁄2 heads;
  • Fresh cucumber – 1⁄2 pcs.;
  • Tomatoes – 2 pcs.;
  • Lemon – 1 pc.;
  • Olive oil – 3 tablespoons;
  • A bunch of parsley.

Pour water over the cereal and leave for several hours. When it swells, cook until soft in salted water. Strain the finished grains and leave to cool. Rinse the vegetables, peel them if desired, cut into small cubes and mix with the prepared cereal. Season the salad with lemon juice and chopped herbs.

This hearty, light and nutritious dietary dish is suitable for pregnant and lactating women, vegetarians and fasting people. It is optimal during a diet and for diabetes. If your child is not allergic, you can add it to a seedless salad.

Vegetable soup with bulgur

  • Small bulgur (koftelik) – 3⁄4 cups;
  • Potatoes – 4 fruits;
  • Carrots – 1 piece;
  • Onion – 1 head;
  • Olive oil – 4 tablespoons;
  • Fresh dill.

Boil two liters of meat or vegetable broth. For meat broth, you can use beef, chicken or turkey. Peel the vegetables, grate the carrots, chop the potatoes and onions. Lightly fry the bulgur carrots and onions in oil, transfer to a saucepan, add potatoes and pour broth over the food. Salt, you can add spices and bay leaves. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Add chopped dill to the finished dish. The soup turns out rich and very satisfying.

Pilaf with chicken

  • Large bulgur (pilavlik) – 1 cup;
  • Onion – 1 head;
  • Carrots – 1 piece;
  • Chicken thigh – 2 pieces;
  • Butter – 50 grams;
  • Greens to taste.

Heat a frying pan and melt the butter, add the grains and lightly fry. Then chop the onion and grate the carrots, add to the pan. Cut the chicken and add it to the cereal and vegetables. Fry for five minutes, stir, add salt and spices, pour a glass of boiling water and simmer under a closed lid for 15 minutes. Cut the greens. Then turn off the heat, add the herbs and leave for another ten minutes. Instead of chicken, you can use turkey. In addition, you can add other vegetables to the recipe, including bell peppers, tomatoes and others.


Porridges and soups with cereals are often used for baby food. But not all parents know at what age they can give their children bulgur and why it should be done.

Despite the proven benefits of cereals, low glycemic index, high nutritional value, its relationship to wheat, the age of the consumer matters.


If there is a proven absence of allergies to cereals and good gluten tolerance, you can start giving small portions of pureed bulgur milk porridge as early as a year. But still, parents should first consult with a doctor about what status cereal will have in the baby’s diet - at what age can children eat it and what to accompany it with.


The optimal age for a child to include bulgur dishes in their diet is about 2–3 years. At this time, all risks are already reduced to zero, and the benefits come to the fore. Such nutrition provides the baby with the microelements necessary for growth and helps to recharge with energy for a long time. The standard portion for a child under 5 years old is about 70–100 grams, for children older – 150–200 grams.

Recipes for dishes with bulgur

Often, children are not very fond of standard cereal dishes, such as porridges and casseroles. Bulgur allows you to improvise.


One of the most popular dishes is tabbouleh salad. In addition to being easy to prepare and nutritious, this is a transformable salad - almost all ingredients can be changed to suit individual tastes.


You can also make a healthy quiche with vegetables and eggs from bulgur. These and other recipes on the website mir-krup.ru will help you create an original menu for kids and adults.

Hello, dear readers. Various types of cereals made from wheat have been known for several millennia. One of them is bulgur, which has become very popular recently.

It is widely used in cooking and is similar in use to rice; it is not for nothing that the second name of bulgur is “Mediterranean rice”. The taste of bulgur has pleasant nutty notes.

To obtain the product, exclusively durum wheat varieties are used. The grains are steamed, dried, cleaned and crushed. The technology allows you to preserve the content of nutrients in cereals as much as possible.

The content of the article:

Cereals are rich in minerals, dietary fiber, and vitamins. In addition, it contains several fatty acids, including Omega-3 and Omega-6. Dry bulgur has a high energy value - 342 kcal. But the energy value is 100 g. boiled cereal is only 83 kcal.

Vitamins:

  • A. Takes part in protein synthesis. Important for redox reactions. It has a positive effect on the immune system and protects the heart system from diseases. Increases the regeneration of the dermis, which allows the vitamin to be used in the treatment of skin diseases.
  • IN 1. Takes part in carbohydrate metabolism and is necessary for the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Needed for heart function and nerve cell synthesis. Important for producing the correct volume of gastric juice with the required acidity.
  • AT 2. Takes part in the synthesis of various vitamins. Protects the retina from the damaging effects of UV rays. Positively affects the state of the nervous system, helping to increase its resistance to stress. Essential for healthy hair.
  • AT 4. Protects the integrity of nerve cells. It is important for the liver, as it promotes its recovery after the influence of various poisons and toxins. It has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels, as it destroys cholesterol plaques and strengthens the heart. Takes care of prostate health.
  • AT 5. Necessary for the production of adrenal hormones, the proper functioning of the nervous system, and fights insomnia. Participates in various metabolic processes, removes cholesterol.
  • AT 6. Participates in the production of sex hormones and insulin. Helps with the functioning of the immune system, as it is an important component for the production of antibodies. Has sedative properties.
  • AT 9. Affects the condition of all organs of the body. Required for the synthesis of nervous tissue cells, therefore it is important for the full intrauterine development of the child. Helps increase the reproductive abilities of the body.
  • E. Effectively fights inflammation. Has sedative qualities. Important for the proper functioning of the brain and reproductive system. Counteracts the effects of free radicals and carcinogens.
  • TO. It has a strengthening effect on the walls of capillaries. Helps normalize blood glucose levels. Important for bones and dermis.
  • RR. Essential for maintaining brain function and visual acuity. Important for the mucous system. Helps lower blood pressure, normalize blood glucose levels and remove bad cholesterol.

Macro- and microelements:

  • Iron. Important for the production of hemoglobin, oxygen saturation of tissues and proper metabolism. Increases the performance and resistance of the nervous system to stress.
  • Potassium. Helps maintain blood glucose levels. Good for heart health, normalizes blood pressure. Has anticonvulsant effect.
  • Calcium. Needed for the formation of a strong bone skeleton, maintaining blood clotting and hormone production.
  • Magnesium. Improves metabolic processes, strengthens the nervous system and immunity. It prevents diabetes and the development of heart disease.
  • Manganese. Important for normal muscle and heart function. Necessary for the synthesis of certain hormones.
  • Copper. It is important for the blood, as it is required for the production of its important components. Increases oxygen saturation of organs. It is one of the components of collagen.
  • Sodium. Dilates blood vessels, participates in the synthesis of gastric juice, helps maintain acid-base balance.
  • Selenium. It is an antioxidant, protects against cancer, and fights viruses. Important for the reproductive system. Prevents the development of heart diseases.
  • Phosphorus. Helps absorb other minerals and various vitamins. Part of the bones.
  • Zinc. Participates in the production of insulin, strengthens the nervous system.

Benefits of bulgur for the body

Bulgur is not only tasty, but also healthy for the body.

  1. Fights inflammation. Medical studies have shown that cereal is effective in combating chronic inflammatory processes.
  2. Strengthens the immune system. A rich vitamin-mineral complex has a positive effect on the immune system.
  3. Good for the heart. The minerals present in the cereal normalize the heartbeat and have a general strengthening effect on the system.
  4. Strengthens the nervous system. Cereals increase the body's resistance to stress and can fight insomnia.
  5. Normalizes intestinal function. Bulgur has a slight laxative effect. Therefore, its systematic use can gently solve the problem of irregular bowel movements. This effect also allows you to cleanse the body of toxins.
  6. Good for the digestive system. The large amount of fiber makes bulgur a highly digestible food. This is one of the cereals that is especially recommended for those who have any problems with the digestive tract.
  7. Reduces the likelihood of gallstone disease. Bulgur increases the speed at which food enters the intestines. This allows you to reduce the production of bile. In addition, cereals help reduce the amount of fat that is harmful to the body. The combination of these factors helps prevent the formation of gallstones.
  8. Allowed for diabetics. Bulgur has a low glycemic index (45) and is rich in fiber. Therefore, it is classified as an approved product for diabetics. If it is a new product in the diet, then bulgur is included in the diet gradually while monitoring health status.
  9. Recommended for anemia. The high concentration of iron in the cereal makes it a recommended product for those who suffer from anemia. In addition, bulgur can be used as a means of prevention.
  10. Reduces cholesterol. Dietary fiber helps remove bad cholesterol from the body.
  11. Prevents Alzheimer's disease. Bulgur is rich in potassium and phosphorus - minerals that help prevent the development of this disease.
  12. Suitable for weight loss. A small volume of cereal contributes to good satiety. At the same time, the feeling of hunger does not appear for a long time. Fiber improves the functioning of the digestive system. These factors, combined with its low energy value, make it possible to use bulgur as a product for weight correction.

The benefits of bulgur for a woman’s body

Cereals help women cope with the symptoms of menopause. Some studies have proven that bulgur has anti-tumor properties. It helps reduce the likelihood of breast cancer. In addition, it has a positive effect on beauty, improving the condition of hair, nails and dermis.

During pregnancy

Cereals are useful for expectant mothers and their children. It contains all the necessary substances for the proper development of the fetus and the well-being of the pregnant woman. Bulgur improves sleep, calms the nervous system, and eliminates the problem of constipation.

Bulgur for children

One of the common diseases of the bronchopulmonary system is bronchial asthma. It often appears in childhood. Regular consumption of bulgur can reduce the risk of its occurrence by half.

Cereals are useful for active children and those who have sleep problems. The elements present in its composition have a calming effect on the nervous system. And also with regular consumption of bulgur, intellectual abilities improve.

Cereals should not be given to children under two years of age. This is due to the fact that the digestive system, which is not fully formed, will not be able to completely digest the product. This can lead to colic, upset stomach, and increased gas production.

When introducing bulgur into a children's menu, the first portion should not exceed 1 tsp. If an allergic reaction is not detected and there is no discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, then the portion can be gradually increased.

There are several products with which it is recommended not to combine bulgur when preparing dishes for baby food. These include: potatoes, cabbage, eggs, beets.

Bulgur contraindications

The cereal contains gluten, so it is contraindicated for people who are allergic to this substance.

Absolute contraindications are:

  1. Inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract.
  2. Gastritis with high acidity.

Bulgur in cosmetology

If cereal is present in a woman’s diet, the body receives a sufficient amount of nutrients to maintain skin tone and healthy hair. Cereals are also used to create care products at home.

Rejuvenating mask

When applying the composition to the face, neck and décolleté 2 times a week, you can get rid of fine wrinkles.

How to use:

  1. Cook bulgur porridge in milk.
  2. Cool it down.
  3. Stir one yolk and honey (1 tsp) into the porridge.
  4. Apply the mixture to the face, neck, and décolleté.
  5. After 20 minutes, wash off.

Anti-cellulite scrub

Massage with a scrub effectively removes orange skin. The procedure should be done every other day, the course consists of 10-15 procedures.

How to use:

  1. Koftelik - medium-ground bulgur (100 g) mixed with olive oil (50 ml) and essential oil of any citrus (2 drops).
  2. Apply the scrub to the desired areas (stomach, thighs, buttocks).
  3. Massage movements should be directed from bottom to top.
  4. The total procedure time is 15 minutes.
  5. Rinse off any remaining product with water.

Use in cooking

Milk and dairy-free porridges are prepared from cereals, which can be supplemented with dried fruits. Bulgur is used as a side dish for meat and fish dishes. They can replace rice for stuffing peppers. It harmonizes well with fresh vegetables and various spices, and is used for making soups.

Basic methods for preparing bulgur

  1. Boil in a saucepan. Pour the required amount of cereal into the pan, pour hot water or milk, the volume of which should be 2 times larger than the cereal. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. The porridge should be infused in a pan wrapped in cloth for 1-1.5 hours.
  2. Cook in a slow cooker. This method is as simple and fast as possible. Pour 1 part of the cereal into the bowl and add 2 parts of water. Cook for 20 minutes in the “Stew” mode. To improve the taste and aroma, add butter to the porridge 5 minutes before cooking.
  3. Cook in a frying pan. The required container must have high sides and a wide bottom. First, water is poured in and brought to a boil. Spices and salt are added, then bulgur is poured. It should be completely covered with water and a similar distance should remain on top. It is necessary to simmer over low heat with the lid closed. When the water has completely evaporated, the dish is ready.

Bulgur is a tasty and healthy grain. It can add variety to your daily diet. You should not eat it in large quantities, as this may lead to weight gain.

How to cook bulgur as a side dish video

Bulgur wheat is widely distributed in the Middle East, India, and also among residents of North Africa. Bulgur dishes are rich in nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. At the same time, the porridge during temperature treatment, that is, during cooking, increases in size almost 3 times. Despite the usefulness of cereals, experts do not recommend giving this dish to young children. At what age should children be introduced to bulgur?

The benefits and harms of bulgur, the effect on the children's body

In addition to its pleasant nutty taste, bulgur has many beneficial properties.

The composition includes proteins, Mg, Zn, K, Fe, Ca, F, unsaturated fats, vitamins E, K, group B, plant fiber.

Not only can you make porridge from bulgur grains, but it is also added to salads, soups and even desserts.

When you introduce bulgur dishes into your regular diet, your body will only be grateful.

Positive effects of eating bulgur:

  • strengthening immunity;
  • normalization of sleep;
  • improvement of intestinal function;
  • restoration of strength after operations, physical activity, illness;
  • strengthening the cardiovascular and circulatory system;
  • stabilization of metabolism;
  • significant improvement in the condition of nails, skin, hair;
  • reducing the likelihood of developing bronchitis, anemia, and neuroses.

But it is worth remembering that bulgur is a rather heavy food that can lead to excessive gas formation and colic. The presence of gluten and gluten in cereals can cause allergic reactions. Porridge is very nutritious and satisfies hunger for a long time, but it can also lead to the formation of excess weight.

At what age can children be given bulgur?

Can children eat bulgur? Cereals are good for a child, but some caution should be exercised when feeding porridge for the first time.

Is it possible for a one-year-old child to have bulgur? The first time cooked bulgur cereal can be given to a child at one year of age in the amount of half a teaspoon. It is necessary to monitor the child’s body’s reaction to new food. If you feel normal, you can increase the serving size and start adding cereal to different dishes.

If you have signs of allergies or intestinal problems, you should avoid bulgur. In some cases, a child may “outgrow” negative reactions to cereals, so if the baby is healthy, you can try again to introduce a new product into the diet at the age of 2-3 years.

You should not give a lot of bulgur at once. A serving of up to 100 g twice a week is sufficient for children up to 5 years of age. In this case, there will be no unnecessary burden on the small body, and the baby will receive enough nutrients.

Can children eat bulgur if they have illnesses/health problems?

If your baby shows signs of excess weight or obesity, then it is better to refuse cereals. There are also absolute contraindications, for example, for gastritis, allergic reactions to gluten, chronic pathologies of the digestive system.

In what form can bulgur be given to children?

To make bulgur appealing to children, you can mix it with vegetables. These could be bell peppers, green peas, eggplants. Bulgur is also well compatible with meat, olive oil, different types of cheese, and lemon.

It is better not to mix porridge with white cabbage, potatoes, dried fruits, beets, eggs, as this combination provokes a fermentation reaction in the stomach, which leads to indigestion (diarrhea).

How to cook bulgur for children - recipes that your child will appreciate.

Pumpkin porridge with bulgur milk

To prepare it you will need:

  • 150 g pumpkin pulp;
  • 1 glass of water;
  • 100 g bulgur cereal;
  • 1 glass of milk.

Place the thoroughly washed cereal into boiling water and boil for 10 minutes. Grind the pumpkin, add to the porridge and pour in the milk. Mix. Salt and sweeten to taste. Cook for another 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and leave to simmer for another 5-7 minutes.

Delicious porridge for a child is ready!

Meat pie with bulgur

To prepare it you will need:

  • 750 g ground beef or chicken;
  • 2 eggs;
  • 0.5 kg bulgur cereal;
  • 2 tomatoes;
  • 1 glass of oil (olive, vegetable);
  • 4 onions;
  • pepper, salt, dill.

Bulgur does not need to be cooked, just pour boiling water over it and leave for 40 minutes. The peels are removed from the tomatoes, the onions are chopped in a meat grinder, everything is mixed with two-thirds of the minced meat. The mixture should be fried. Pepper and salt are added to taste. Another onion is chopped and mixed with the rest of the minced meat and the finished bulgur.

Minced meat with bulgur should be divided into 2 parts. Place half of it on the bottom of a greased baking dish. Fried minced meat is placed tightly on top as a filling, and the upper part of the pie is formed from the second part of the dough. Be sure to make deep cuts on the top layer and pour a glass of oil.

Baking time at 180 degrees is about 60 minutes.

Bulgur for children can be chosen in fine gradations. Just fill it with water and in an hour the porridge will be ready without cooking. But if the grain is large, then it needs to be boiled.

Bulgur is filled with water in a ratio of 1:2, brought to a boil and infused under a closed lid for 60 minutes.

When choosing a product on the shelves in a store, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer - it is better to give preference to Arab countries. You also need to make sure that the product’s expiration date has not yet expired.

To ensure that the cereal retains its beneficial qualities, it is recommended to store it in a glass container with a tightly closed lid. In a dark and dry place, bulgur can be stored for up to 10 months.

In the East, unlike our country, bulgur is a very common product. It is used in soups, salads, as a side dish for meat, fish, and vegetables. It is used to prepare fillings for stuffed peppers, cabbage rolls made from grape leaves, pies and other dishes. We started talking about this cereal recently. And it’s no coincidence. Bulgur is not inferior in value to many other cereals, and in some respects it is even superior.

Let's get acquainted: bulgur and its unusual properties

Bulgur, like couscous and semolina, is obtained from wheat grain. Only bulgur, unlike other cereals, is necessarily steamed during the production process, and then dried, dehydrated and crushed. It also differs from couscous and semolina in the degree of grinding. The finest is semolina, then comes couscous, and only after that comes bulgur, although there is bulgur of both medium and fine grinding.

These three cereals also differ in color and taste. Bulgur has a more golden color and rich taste. There is even a slight nutty tint to it. Some gourmets compare bulgur to tender and soft pearl barley porridge. However, a lot depends on the cooking method and spices that go well with this grain.

Bulgur is good for our body. It contains large quantities of folic acid, the nutritional compound choline, as well as copper, potassium, calcium and other trace elements. In terms of phosphorus and magnesium content, bulgur is significantly ahead of couscous. It is also rich in vitamins, especially PP, E, K and group B.

Due to its composition, this product is useful for women. It improves complexion, has a positive effect on hair growth, condition and thickness, and makes nails beautiful and strong. Bulgur is an ideal option for baby food, especially for anemia and growth retardation. Nutritionists recommend it to older people, those who want to get rid of excess weight and monitor their health.

Table: composition and nutritional value of bulgur, semolina and couscous

Unit change Bulgur Semolina Couscous
Squirrels G12,3 10,3 12,8
Fats G1,3 1,0 0,6
Carbohydrates G75,9 70,6 77,4
Calcium mg35 20 24
Iron mg2,46 1,0 1,08
Magnesium mg164 18 44
Phosphorus mg300 85 170
Thiamine (B1) mg0,232 0,14 0,163
Riboflavin (B2) mg0,115 0,04 0,078
Pyridoxine (B6) mg0,342 0,17 0,11
Folic acid mcg27 23 20
Calorie content kcal342 333 376

Bulgur: when it’s healthy, and when it’s the opposite

We have known about the benefits of porridge since childhood, and bulgur is no exception. It is the main source of fiber and organic acids. Like any porridge, bulgur quickly saturates the body, charges it with energy, and controls the functioning of our stomach. Bulgur is a very simple and affordable remedy for healing the body and keeping it in good shape.

7 reasons to eat bulgur more often

  • reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as diabetes;
  • excellent prevention of cancer;
  • prevents the occurrence of cholelithiasis;
  • cleanse the body of waste and toxins;
  • strengthens the immune system;
  • speeds up metabolism;
  • promotes weight loss.

If we talk about harm, doctors advise people who have an exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, colitis, peptic ulcer, etc.) to give up bulgur. But first of all, it should not be consumed by those who suffer from gluten intolerance. This applies not only to bulgur, but also to all other cereal crops.

Healthy people also need to know when to stop. If your usual diet does not contain whole grains, then bulgur porridge can cause discomfort and possibly bloating. To begin with, it is better to try a small portion, let it be 150–200 g. Then it is enough to take 40–50 g of dry cereal per serving, since bulgur swells greatly during the cooking process. Recommended intake for a healthy adult 2–3 times a week.

Table: bulgur for various diseases

Is it possible or not? Recommendations for use How often
Pancreatitis Use is permitted, but not during an exacerbation of the disease.It is better to cook porridge not with milk, but with water.1-2 times a week in small portions.
Cholecystitis Consumption permitted.Use when cooking light soups or eat in the form of milk porridges. Do not add butter or vegetable oil or seasonings when cooking.1-2 times a week in small portions.
Gastritis Prohibited during exacerbation of gastritis with high acidity.When the attack subsides, cook the porridge in lightly salted water, always until soft. Can be served with a small amount of lean meat.In 2–3 days.
Diabetes Essential for this disease.Allowed to be used in first and second courses, as well as in salads.1–2 times a week.

Bulgur in the diet of pregnant and lactating mothers

Here, doctors’ recommendations do not differ from those that apply to other whole grain cereals. Bulgur can and should be added to a pregnant woman’s menu if there are no individual contraindications.. 2-3 times a week as a side dish to a piece of lean meat or with vegetables will only benefit the expectant mother. Especially in the first two trimesters. In later stages, it is better to reduce the amount of fiber in the diet, as it provokes increased flatulence. The advice is this: it is better to divide the portion of bulgur into several doses and it is advisable not to eat it in the afternoon.

During lactation, namely in the first two months, it is advisable for mothers to exclude bulgur from the diet. Gluten-free cereals are good for her and her baby. This is buckwheat, corn and millet porridge. At 2–3 months of life, bulgur can be gradually introduced into the diet. It should be cooked in water, always until soft. No need to add salt and sugar. To improve the taste, it is better to add a piece of butter to the serving.

Bulgur and baby food

As soon as the child grows up and no allergic reactions are detected, bulgur can become a permanent dish on the children's menu. However, it is better to introduce your baby to this porridge no earlier than one and a half to two years. Until this age, it is too heavy to digest and can cause discomfort in the child. Pediatricians advise adding bulgur to first courses, and periodically (no more than every 3 days) preparing a side dish or a separate dish from it.

For those who want to lose weight

Bulgur is popular among adherents of a healthy lifestyle and those who want to lose weight. All this is due to its ability to perfectly stimulate the digestive system and quickly saturate the body. There is no need to be afraid of its calorie content.

Bulgur is a calorie-poor grain. When boiled, it has less calories than buckwheat porridge and is twice as “light” as rice porridge.

Nutritionists recommend adding it to soups, using it in salads, cooking it as a side dish or as an independent dish. If you do not overuse bulgur, it will become an indispensable assistant in the fight for a slim figure and a healthy appearance.

Health and beauty recipes

Porridge with pumpkin

Ideal for a children's menu.

You will need: water (1 glass), milk (1 glass), bulgur (100 g), pumpkin (100–150 g), salt, sugar, butter (to taste).

  1. Boil the bulgur until half cooked, grate the pumpkin on a fine grater.
  2. Add milk, pumpkin, salt and sugar to the porridge.
  3. Cook until tender (approximately 8-10 minutes).
  4. Serve hot with butter added.

Chicken fillet balls

The dish is low-fat and filling, so it can be safely included in the diet of both a healthy person and a sick person, especially those who suffer from cholecystitis and pancreatitis. Suitable for baby food.

You will need: chicken fillet (100 g), cooked bulgur (100 g), water (30 ml), egg white (4 pcs.), salt, butter (to taste).

  1. Pass the chicken fillet through a meat grinder.
  2. Add bulgur, whites separated from the yolk, water, oil, salt to the minced meat, mix everything.
  3. Form small balls.
  4. Steam for 30 minutes.

Salad with bulgur and parsley

Diabetics need to watch their diet especially carefully. Burgur in combination with vegetables and herbs will help them maintain normal blood glucose levels and normalize metabolism.

You will need: bulgur (100 g), tomatoes and cucumber (2-3 pcs. in total), shallots (2 pcs.), fresh parsley, mint, salt, pepper (to taste), olive oil (2 tbsp.) , half a lemon.

  1. Boil the bulgur in 200 ml of water, then leave on the stove for 15 minutes (all the water should be absorbed and the porridge should become soft).
  2. Cut tomatoes, cucumbers (in cubes or strips, as you like), chop shallots and herbs.
  3. Mix all ingredients, season with oil, lemon juice, lightly salt and pepper.
  4. Let it sit for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator and garnish with a green mint sprig before serving.

Soup for vegetarians

And not only for them.

Bulgur soup is worth preparing for those who are tired of the monotony on the menu and who want to try a new taste and get new sensations.

Of course, such soup is indispensable in the diet menu.

You will need: bulgur (150 g), potatoes (2–3 pcs.), carrots (1 pc.), onion (1 pc.), curry (1 tsp.), tomato paste (1 tsp.) or fresh tomatoes (2 pcs.), vegetable oil (2 tbsp.), broccoli (200 g), water (2.5 l.), salt (to taste).

  1. Place peeled and chopped potatoes into boiling water. Cook over medium heat.
  2. Peel the carrots and onions and chop finely.
  3. Heat oil in a frying pan and fry onions and carrots. At the end of frying, add curry. After a few minutes, add tomato paste (if fresh tomatoes are used, they are first doused with boiling water, peeled and finely chopped). Everything is mixed and simmered over low heat.
  4. Place the finished roast in a pan with bulgur, add salt.
  5. Add broccoli and cook the soup for another 5 minutes.

Video: bulgur pilaf

Bulgur pilaf has an unusual taste. The cooking method is very similar to the classic one.

On guard of beauty

The beneficial properties of cereals have long been known in cosmetology. Bulgur was also not ignored. It is used in scrubs, masks, and is used as the main ingredient in a mixture for anti-cellulite massage. Cosmetic products made from wheat cereals cleanse and rejuvenate the skin well, restoring its elasticity and healthy color. Bulgur perfectly treats problematic hair, improves its structure and stimulates growth.

At home, you can prepare a face mask from bulgur porridge, honey and raw eggs. It is also effective for the neck and décolleté area. To do this, boil the bulgur in milk, cool it and add honey and yolk. The mask is applied for 20 minutes. For good results, it must be done at least 2 times a week. It has been noticed that such a mask copes with fine wrinkles no worse than expensive creams.

If you need to prepare an anti-cellulite mixture, it is recommended to take medium-ground bulgur grains (the so-called koftelik).

For massage, 100 g of cereal is combined with olive oil (50 ml) and 2 drops of grapefruit essential oil (can be replaced with any other citrus oil, just be sure to make sure before the procedure whether there is an allergic reaction to it). The resulting mixture is applied to problem areas and massaged. Movements should be smooth. The hips, buttocks and abdomen are massaged from bottom to top, this is necessary for better lymph drainage. Massage time 15 minutes. Carry out the procedure every other day, 10–15 times.

Are you looking for something to cook that is tasty and healthy? Then be sure to try burgur. There are plenty of dishes with it! And all of them can pleasantly surprise you and your loved ones.