Buckwheat, despite what its name suggests, is not a cereal or a wheat product. Buckwheat contains high-quality protein that delivers all of the eight essential amino acids, including buckwheat flour pasta, which is usually lacking in grains. The gluten-free grain also contains two powerful flavonoids which act as antioxidants, rutin, and quercetin.

Health Benefits of Buckwheat Let us look at the most important health benefits of buckwheat. Prevents Heart Diseases One of the most important qualities of buckwheat is its high levels of phytonutrients, particularly flavonoids. These important compounds act as antioxidants within the body, which seek out and eliminate dangerous free radicals, the chemical byproduct of cell metabolism that is known to cause heart disease. Aids in Weight Loss Buckwheat has lesser calories compared to wheat or barley, is free of saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fiber and protein. The Berkeley Wellness Letter lists buckwheat as one of the gluten-free options for people who cannot digest wheat. Anticancer Potential Buckwheat hull may help reduce the risk of cancer, according to a study by Kim SH et al.

Rich Source of Protein Buckwheat is one of those valuable plant-based foods that contain high-quality proteins, meaning that it has all eight essential amino acids, including lysine. Improves Digestion Buckwheat has a high level of fiber, which adds bulk to your bowel movements, helping to move them through the digestive tract, and stimulating peristaltic motion, the muscle contraction of your intestines. Diabetes Management People with diabetes who are unfamiliar with buckwheat now have another tool in the complex and constant management of the disease. It is a rich source of D-chiro inositol, a compound that reduces blood sugar.

The high amount of fiber in buckwheat also helps in diabetes management. Boosts Immune System Buckwheat has a long list of attributes, and its impact on the immune system is one of the most important! Buckwheat has antioxidant components such as tocopherols, phenolic acid, selenium, and flavonoids, which are excellent at finding and eliminating free radicals. Reduces Risk of Gallstones Buckwheat is rich in insoluble fiber, which also means that it greatly decreases the chances of developing gallstones. Insoluble fiber not only increases the transit time of food through the digestive tract but also reduces the need for the excess secretion of bile acids. Prevents Asthma Attacks The magnesium and vitamin E levels in buckwheat are both strong enough to say that buckwheat protects children from developing asthma.

Studies done in the Netherlands show that children who don’t receive high levels of grains or grain-like foods are much more likely to develop asthma because they are deficient in certain anti-inflammatory nutrients, like vitamin E and magnesium. Improves Bone Health Buckwheat is rich in selenium and zinc, both of which are essential trace minerals that the body needs for strong bones, teeth, and nails. Prevents Anemia Buckwheat is very high in iron content, and this is one of the key components in the formation of red blood cells. A deficiency in iron can lead to anemia, which is a complicated condition characterized by fatigue, cognitive slowness, headaches, and even other, more serious side effects.

Boosts Mood Buckwheat has all of the essential amino acids, including tryptophan, which acts as a precursor to the feel-good hormone serotonin. So, including tryptophan in your diet is very important to boost mood and mental clarity. Skin Health The high rutin content in buckwheat acts as a natural sunscreen and protects the skin from the damaging effects of the sun. The rich blend of antioxidants and flavonoids also help in preventing signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. Hair Health The whole-grain complex carbohydrate content in buckwheat is helpful for hair growth.

Rich in vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, and zinc, it is an amazing food for hair. These pillows are beneficial for people who are allergic to pillow stuffing made from feathers or down. Making medicines: Rutin is extracted from the leaves of buckwheat and added to blood pressure medicines. It acts as a vasodilator that increases blood flow and, again, reduces the chances of various types of heart disease or stroke. How to Buy, Store, and Eat Buckwheat? You can purchase buckwheat from your local supermarket. Keep buckwheat in airtight contains, away from moisture and heat.

The flour is best kept refrigerated. If stored correctly, buckwheat groats will stay good for up to a year, and the flour will have a shelf life of several months. Mix buckwheat flour into whole wheat flour for baking bread, muffins, and pancakes. Buckwheat is a delicious alternative to oatmeal as a hearty and healthy way to start your day.

It can add a rich flavor and texture to soups and stews. Cooked and cooled buckwheat can add a delightful dimension to a salad with chopped chicken, crunchy seeds, fresh peas, and scallions. Buckwheat tea is a tonic that is earthy and nutritious. Word of Caution: Since buckwheat is not a wildly common crop in some parts of the world, you may have never encountered it before and have an unknown allergy to it. Some people can also develop an allergy to buckwheat after prolonged exposure.