Despite its name, buckwheat has nothing to do with wheat. It is not a cereal grain at all. Buckwheat is a gluten free superfood! It’s the seed of the fagopyrum plant, which is in the same family as sorrel and rhubarb. It does not contain gluten. This makes buckwheat an excellent alternative for other grains in the diet. So referring to buckwheat as a seed than a grain would be more appropriate. The nutritional benefits of buckwheat are abundant as it contains omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids.
Numerous Nutritional Benefits of Buckwheat
- It is a great source of vitamins B1, B2. B vitamins in buckwheat help to cure and prevent liver disorders.
- Rutin that can also be found in buckwheat is actively used in therapeutic preparations prescribed for high blood pressure, rheumatism and other diseases. Rutin also has antioxidant activities, and able to fight against free radicals in your body.
- Buckwheat is also rich in various minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc and bromine.
- Most of all, it is a great source of iron, so it is recommended for people suffering from anemia. Researchers have discovered that if you eat buckwheat with fruits, the transition of iron to our bodies will increase.
- Buckwheat is full of dietary fiber which helps relieve constipation.
- Buckwheat is one the most complete sources of protein in the world. The complete protein in buckwheat has 8 essential amino acids that don’t get produced by the body.
- Buckwheat also increases good bacteria in the gut which can boost your immune system. Buckwheat has nutritional value as a possible prebiotic.
- Buckwheat contains high level of antioxidants which makes it a great food for preventing cancers.
- Buckwheat also lowers glucose levels and is beneficial for managing diabetes.
- Buckwheat is also efficient in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
Once sprouted, buckwheat can be considered a superfood. The sprouting process helps preserve enzymes and provide you with all its vital nutrients. Buckwheat flour makes great gluten free crepes or pancakes.
Here is a great recipe for gluten free buckwheat pancakes:
Ingredients
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 50ml organic milk
- 40g buckwheat flour
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 5g raw honey
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix eggs and banana, add cinnamon and baking powder, then milk, honey and flour.
- Heat a non-stick frying pan and fry large spoonfuls of the batter mix until little holes appear on the surface.
- Flip and cook the other side until golden.
