Teff is a cereal grain native to Ethiopia that is nutrient dense and gluten free. It contains higher levels of minerals like iron compared to other cereals. While teff has long been a major food grain in Ethiopia, its small size and nutritional composition were relatively unknown globally until recently. Research on teff shows it may help prevent iron deficiency anemia and manage celiac disease due to the lack of gluten. Further clinical studies are still needed to confirm teff's potential health benefits like diabetes prevention. Teff consumption and products are growing internationally now that more is known about its nutritional profile and health properties.

1. ETHIOPIAN DEVELOPMENT
RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Teff: nutrient composition and health benefits
Kaleab Baye (PhD; Associate Prof.)
Director, Center for Food Science and Nutrition
Addis Ababa University
Ethiopian Economics Association
16th International Conference on the Ethiopian Economy
July 19-21, 2018
Addis Ababa
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Introduction
• Teff (Eragrostis tef) has its center of origin and diversity
in the northern Ethiopian highlands
• It is a minor cereal crop worldwide, but a major food
grain in Ethiopia

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Introduction
• Relatively little is known about the nutritional
composition and health benefits of teff
• The lack of global interest in teff in the past had led
Ethiopians think that teff is of inferior nutritional
quality
• With the recognition that teff is gluten-free, research
and consumer interest has grown

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Objectives
Literature on the following topics was reviewed:
1. The physical and chemical characteristics of teff and its
nutrient composition
2. The use of teff and teff-based products for human
nutrition in Ethiopia
3. The potential health benefits that could be associated
with teff consumption

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Physical characteristics of teff grain
Relative to other bigger cereals, teff has a higher germ/bran to endosperm proportion

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Nutritional composition of teff grain
Besides the genetic specificities of teff, its minuteness has nutritional and technological
implications (e.g. teff grains are difficult to decorticate)
Brouns. 2013

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Macronutrient composition of teff grain
Macronutrient composition of teff grain compared to maize, sorghum, wheat and rice

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Micronutrient composition of teff
Mineral content of teff grain compared to other cereals, mg/100g

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20
40
60
80
100
120
teff sorgho blancorge blé sorgho rouge
Femg/100gDM
Traditional threshing a source of iron
contamination?
Teff W. sorg barley wheat R.sorg
Iron content of teff grain compared to other cereals, mg/100g
Baye et al(2014). Int J Food Sci Technol 49(1), 174-180.
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10. Contribution to energy intake (calories) per capita of different cereals in Ethiopia
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Forms of consumption of teff
Injera
Teff kita
use of enzymes/hydrocolloids
Blending of flours/sourdough
Traditional foods Foods familiar to int’l consumers

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Potential health benefits
1. Prevention of iron deficiency : increased iron intake
2. Management of celiac disease: teff does not contain gluten
3. Prevention of diabetes- evidence from consumption of whole grains
and the slow digestion of complex carbohydrates
These potentials still need to be confirmed through controlled clinical studies!!!

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Summary
- Teff, perhaps the smallest cereal grain in the world, is nutrient packed
- Despite having a very good nutrient profile, teff’s consumption is largely
limited to Ethiopia and Eritrea
-Consumption and products containing teff are likely to continue growing
-Studies confirming the potential health benefits are needed

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ETHIOPIAN DEVELOPMENT
RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Thank you!