The Secret Weapon of Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a nutrition powerhouse. It is cheap, easy to prepare, and is completely gluten-free because it isn’t a grain. It has a few names that it goes by: silver hull buckwheat, Japanese buckwheat, and common buckwheat. The edible part of the plant is the seed which is also called groats. The seed of this plant is related to rhubarb and sorrel. They are packed with vitamins and minerals which help with weight loss, lower cholesterol and prevent blood clots. Buckwheat is high in resistant fiber and tannins (phenolic compounds with astringent properties like those found in tea) which lowers the growth of viral and bacterial infections while promoting vital strains of flora in your gut.

Get Your Gut Healthy

Buckwheat has a rich source of bound antioxidants which work in the human gastrointestinal system to aid the growth of compounds like dismutase, glutathione, and superoxide. Over 75 percent of the human immune system is located in the digestive tract making gut health a priority when pursuing health. The flora that is responsive to buckwheat helps the system maintain a healthy balance of probiotic elements which in turn fight many illnesses and ailments. Finding a gut balance can make all the difference when struggling with weight loss. Often, the simple act of re-balancing your gastrointestinal tract can result in measurable changes in health and weight loss.

Don’t Resist the Resistant Fiber

Improving health may lead to a few stinky encounters, but the nutrition and health benefits provided by buckwheat are no laughing matter. Resistant fiber which is also known as resistant starch is a type of starch which passes through the small intestine. Resistant fiber ferments in the large intestine and helps produce a slew of beneficial gut flora and microbiota. Short-chain fatty acids help produce beneficial bacteria like butyrate.

Buckwheat can Ease PCOS Symptoms

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a painful condition experienced by many women. More often than not, PCOS is accompanied by a long list of other ailments like Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, and heart disease. Symptoms of the syndrome include stomach and pelvic pain, acne, and even hair loss. The hormone imbalance leaves too much insulin in the blood. However, D-Chiro Inositol can help level out the blood sugar and metabolism. Buckwheat helps relieve Polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms through the regulated production of glycogen.

Beautiful Skin through Breakfast

Buckwheat packs an incredible punch of rutin, bioflavonoids, and quercetin. Each of these three compounds reinforces small blood vessels and adding strength to them. Healthy blood flow and circulation system is key to keeping skin supple and responsive. Strong, small blood vessels means fewer varicose veins, easy bruising, or even stops the development of unsightly hemorrhoids. Bioflavonoids act as an antioxidant and help with improving blood circulation and other diseases resulting from one type of inflammation or another. Eating a simple buckwheat oat breakfast three times a week can begin to show positive results in as little as a few weeks.

Buckwheat can Lower Cholesterol

High cholesterol may not have any symptoms of its own, but left unresolved high cholesterol can lead to stroke, heart attack, and many other pulmonary issues. High soluble fiber, a low-fat, plant-based diet, and regular exercise can help lower cholesterol. Buckwheat is a superhero when it comes to fiber, one serving of boiled kernels (groats) has six percent or more of the daily recommended value for maintaining fiber.

Slim Your Waist and Battle Hunger Pains

The nutrition profile of buckwheat is substantial. High values of copper, B vitamins (like B6), Pantothenic acid (also known as niacin), thiamine, folate, and choline are in the plant. Copper is crucial to maintaining the healthy production of red blood cells and aids in keeping the immune system functioning properly. B Vitamins are vital to helping us stay energized and ready for the day. Niacin is necessary for good circulation and reduces inflammation. Folate strengthens bones, and choline produces a neurotransmitter necessary for motor functions and memory. If all these health benefits didn’t convince you to switch from cereal, then perhaps its ability to help achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Buckwheat is a resistant fiber which doesn’t cause high blood sugar spikes and move through the intestine slowly leaving you satiated for a longer period.

Easy Hot Cereal Recipe

Buckwheat is a diverse and nutritious superfood. You will be able to find groats in your local organic grocery or online. Buckwheat is inexpensive and easy to find. Many grocery chains offer a wide variety of pre-made buckwheat waffle and pancake mixes. For a more low key breakfast try this hot cereal recipe.Ingredients:

• 1 Cup of organic, raw buckwheat groats
• 3 Cups of water
• Sweeteners like stevia or organic honey, (you’ll need a tablespoon or more to taste).
• Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract, or Cardamom (1 teaspoon).

Method:

• Bring the water and groats to a simmer and let cook for 45 minutes. It will have a consistency like oatmeal. Enjoy!

Bake with Buckwheat Flour

Although it is not technically a grain, buckwheat can act like one in a variety of baked goods. It is 100 percent gluten-free and can be molded into flours, cereals, pasta, and savory bread. This grain-based flour has all the necessary amino acids and a hearty dose of protein per serving. A delicious and nutritious way to jazz up your bakery goods is to substitute plain or all-purpose flour with buckwheat flour. Banana bread is particularly tasty when buckwheat replaces up to 50 percent of the bread’s flour content.

Gluten-Free and Happy

Celiac’s disease is an auto-immune condition where the small intestine triggers an allergic reaction whenever wheat, rye, or barley is digested. The small intestine becomes damaged over time, causing the individual to experience intestinal lymphoma’s,  gallbladder issues, nervous system disorders, and other health problems. Just a few of the symptoms include constant diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for Celiac’s disease. Those with this condition must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. Buckwheat flour is an excellent replacement for rye and barley flour. It is completely gluten-free.

Ditch White Flour for Buckwheat Pancakes and Waffles

An easy way to begin experimenting with buckwheat is to buy a prepackaged waffle and pancake mix from your local grocery store. Keep in mind, if you do suffer from Celiac’s disease to ensure your pancake mix is gluten-free! These tasty pancakes offer a wide-spectrum of nutritional benefits, help maintain a healthy weight, and provide a myriad of preventive steps to protecting your body against illness.