Buckwheat are seeds that do not grow on grasses but are consumed in the same way as cereal grains. It belongs to a group of foods commonly called pseudocereals. Other common pseudocereals include quinoa and amaranth.
Buckwheat is considered a very healthy food due to its high amounts of minerals and various antioxidants. It has also been shown to provide health benefits, including improved blood sugar control. And it's also gluten free.
Nutrition Facts
The nutritional value of buckwheat is considerably higher than that of many other grains. It's rich in Carbohydrates, protein and various minerals and antioxidants.
Here are the most abundant minerals found in common buckwheat:
Manganese: Found in high amounts in whole grains, manganese is essential for healthy metabolism, growth, development and the body's antioxidant defenses.
Copper: Copper is an essential element and has beneficial effects on heart health when eaten in small amounts.
Magnesium: This essential mineral may lower the risk of various chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease when taken in appropriate amount
Iron: Deficiency in this important mineral leads to anemia, a condition characterized by reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Phosphorus: This mineral plays an essential role in the growth and maintenance of body tissues.
Benefits of eating Buckwheat
Healthier Gluten Free Alternative
Buckwheat contains no gluten and is not a grain. Therefore it is a great alternative for Celiac sufferers and people looking for grain free and gluten sensitive diets.
Diabetic friendly
Buckwheat is an ideal food for diabetic patients. They are low in calories and fat free and contains D-chiro-inositol, a compound that is deficient in type II diabetic patients. It improves micro vascular integrity and circulation in diabetics, and prevents the damage of nerves and muscle cells and loss of kidney function. Buckwheat contains a medicinal chemical which strengthens capillary walls and reduces haemorrhage, thus lowering the risk of fatal strokes and heart attacks in people with high blood pressure and diabetes
Healthy Skin and Hair
Buckwheat is rich in B complex vitamins including thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), and folate (B9). These vitamins promote healthy skin and strong hair. It also contain rutin, which offers strong antioxidant properties to help keep premature wrinkles at bay.
Buckwheat is also a wonderful source of high-quality protein which is vital for normal hair growth. The protein in buckwheatcontains essential amino acids which are needed to produce keratin -a fibrous protein which is a main structural constituent of hair and nails.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Buckwheat is a good source of magnesium which helps in improving blood pressure. It relaxes the blood vessels thus reducing blood pressure naturally.
Excellent source for Healthy Heart
Buckwheat is the richest source of rutin, an antioxidant that has a number of beneficial health effects. Rutin may cut the risk of heart disease by preventing the formation of blood clots, decreasing inflammation and reducing blood pressure. It contains many heart-healthy compounds, such as magnesium, copper, fiber and certain proteins. It also providing higher levels of antioxidants, B vitamins, phosphorus and potassium
Buckwheat contains a type of protein that binds cholesterol in the digestive system, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream
Supports in Weight Loss
Compared to wheat or barley, buckwheat has fewer calories. It is rich in dietary fiber and protein and free of saturated fat and cholesterol. Thus it helps in suppressing appetite, controlling blood sugar, facilitating proper digestion and building lean muscle mass.
Protect against Childhood Asthma
Buckwheat has high content of magnesium and vitamin E, which can help in reducing the incidence of childhood asthma by around 50%
Prevents Gallstones
Buckwheat has high insoluble fiber. The Insoluble fiber speeds up the movement of food through the intestines that help in preventing gallstones. It also increases insulin sensitivity but lowers the secretion of bile acids and blood sugar.
Protection against Breast Cancer
Buckwheat reduces the risk of breast cancer. In fact, pre-menopausal women eating wholegrain fiber are at a lower risk of developing breast cancer. The antioxidant properties of buckwheat are beneficial for women during or after their menopause. They are believed to protect against breast cancer and other forms of cancer related to hormones.
Cardiovascular Health
Buckwheat is rich in B vitamins, particularly niacin, folate and vitamin B6, which is highly beneficial for the cardiovascular health. The vitamins in buckwheat reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the blood. Niacin helps enhance the blood vessel strength and cholesterol removal. The minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and manganese help in reducing blood pressure and improving blood oxygenation. The protein in Buckwheat helps remove the plaque forming triglycerides and low density lipoproteins (LDL). Thus buckwheat is highly beneficial for people with weak heart functions and other cardiovascular problems
