Is Spelt Flour Healthy?

Spelt flour is appearing in more and more mainstream products, such as bread, cereal and pasta. It is an ancient hybrid of wheat that can be used in place of wheat in almost any recipe. It is available in both white and whole-wheat versions. Spelt flour provides a number of nutrients and can be a healthy part of your diet.

B Vitamins

Spelt flour is a source of several B vitamins. In 38 g, the amount in one slice of 100 percent spelt bread, you get more thiamine, riboflavin and niacin than you do in the same amount of wheat bread. These vitamins help you convert food into energy and support production and function of red blood cells.

Fiber

One cup of spelt flour provides 16 g of fiber, while a slice of spelt bread contains 2.5 g of fiber. Fiber is essential to keeping your entire digestive tract healthy, and it plays a role in helping to lower cholesterol. The Institute of Medicine recommends that adult women eat at least 25 g of fiber daily, and that adult men get 38 g daily.

Trace Minerals

Spelt flour contains 1.36 mg of iron in a 38 g serving. Iron is essential for transporting oxygen in your body and for cell growth. Without enough iron, you may become fatigued and suffer from a condition known as iron-deficient anemia, which can cause general feelings of malaise. Adult women should get about 18 mg daily, while should get men 8 mg. Spelt flour also provides the trace minerals zinc, copper and manganese, all of which support immunity and healthy bones.

Digestibility, Calories and Tolerance

Spelt flour may be easier to digest than wheat flour. It is also slightly lower in calories than wheat -- with 126 calories per 38 g, compared to wheat's 140 calories. Spelt is related to wheat and contains gluten, so it is not appropriate for people with diagnosed allergies or celiac disease. People who take themselves off wheat because it helps them feel better by reducing bloating and easing digestion might find that spelt is an alternative that they tolerate better.