The Marvels of Buckwheat: A Superfood You Need to Know About
What's the difference between buckwheat and spelt, and why should you definitely include buckwheat in your daily diet?
(Photo: shutterstock)What is buckwheat?
Some think buckwheat is a type of grain, due to confusion with spelt, which in Biblical Hebrew is called "kusmet." However, the plant called buckwheat today has no connection to spelt.
Buckwheat is actually a herbaceous plant, and we eat its seeds. These seeds can be ground into flour suitable for those sensitive to gluten.
Buckwheat has many benefits: it aids in weight loss as it contains fewer calories and no saturated fat or LDL cholesterol. Instead, it is rich in dietary fiber and proteins, which contribute to prolonged satiety, blood sugar level control, and maintaining healthy digestion. It's recommended for diabetics.
Buckwheat contains compounds that help strengthen blood vessel walls – the endothelium – and even reduces the formation of blood clots, thereby reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
There is a compound called D-CHIRO INOSITOL found in buckwheat, which helps balance blood insulin levels. Type 2 diabetics lack this compound, making buckwheat especially recommended for them.
Buckwheat also helps reduce blood pressure due to its high magnesium content, which helps relax blood vessels, reducing blood pressure.
Buckwheat is rich in vitamins B6 and B3, as well as folic acid, which greatly help maintain heart and blood vessel health. Vitamin B3 increases healthy cholesterol (HDL) levels in the body.
The minerals in buckwheat – iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper – and the high-quality complete proteins it contains, help strengthen bone structure and enable the body to absorb calcium effectively. Thanks to its high magnesium content, buckwheat also helps prevent bone loss and maintain strong and healthy teeth.
Buckwheat also promotes hair growth and keeps hair healthy and strong.
Buckwheat helps treat edema as it absorbs the fluids that accumulate in the body and cause swelling. To reduce swelling, take buckwheat seeds, grind them, and mix with a little water. Apply the solution to the swollen area. Buckwheat is available at all health food stores. It is best to buy green buckwheat that hasn't been roasted.
Cook 1 cup of buckwheat with 1.5 cups of water and spices: turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and pink Himalayan salt. Add vegetables like onion, sweet potato, and zucchini cut into cubes. It's a recommended substitute for pastas!
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