Buckwheat Health Benefits

Despite its name, buckwheat is not wheat but a nutrient-packed, gluten-free seed that is high in both protein and fiber. Its health benefits include cholesterol-lowering effects, anti-hypertension effects, and improved digestion by relieving constipation.

Buckwheat is usually found as raw "buckwheat groats" or in flour form. Both are highly nutritious staples to keep in your kitchen since there can be used in numerous ways. It's easy to add cooked groats to stews, soups or cold salads. Have a bowl of buckwheat for breakfast instead of oatmeal and use buckwheat flour in muffins and breads. Buckwheat pancakes is one of my favorites!

Buckwheat is Heart Healthy

Buckwheat groats contain high levels of rutin, which is a type of antioxidant. Antioxidants can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress, affecting lipid levels as well as triggering a variety of diseases. One study that evaluated the heart-healthy benefits of buckwheat groats revealed that individuals who consumed 100 grams of buckwheat per day had lower levels of bad LDL-cholesterol levels and had higher levels of good HDL-cholesterol levels when compared to individuals who did not regularly consume buckwheat.

The fiber and magnesium content in buckwheat groats makes it a good choice for reducing the formation of plaque in the heart and improving the heart's ability to pump blood throughout the body. Standard Process Cyruta is a good source of Buckwheat.

Digestion

Buckwheat helps digest food better because it is rich in fiber, which adds bulk to bowel movements. It also helps the bowels to move slowly and steadily through the digestive tract and stimulates peristaltic motion. Fiber also helps regulate bowel movements and reduce the occurrence of serious gastrointestinal issues, as well as colon and gastric cancer. It also helps lower the chances of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and diarrhea. Buckwheat's neutral thermal properties help cleanse the intestines and strengthen them. This improves one's appetite and gets rid of dysentery and chronic diarrhea.

Balance Blood Sugar with Buckwheat

The dietary fiber and resistant starches contained in buckwheat groats make them a good choice for diabetics. Since it takes the body a longer time to break down the complex carbohydrate, blood sugar levels rise evenly, preventing drastic spikes in blood sugar. Another compound in buckwheat groats is D-chiro-inositol, which helps to lower elevated glucose levels.

Relief from Arthritis with Groats

The rutin in buckwheat groats (hulled kernels), contains anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the severity of arthritis and other inflammatory disease. One study revealed that a dose of 500 mg/day of flavonoids, such as those found in buckwheat groats, provided relief from arthritis that was more effective than the traditional drugs used to treat the condition.

Buckwheat Beauty Benefits

Buckwheat groats can help promote strong hair as well as healthy looking skin. Buckwheat contains high levels of B complex vitamins, which, when combined with the rutin contained in buckwheat groats, can help to prevent or reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It also has high amounts of selenium in it which is good for strengthening nails and teeth.

Anemia

Buckwheat is rich in iron, which is instrumental in forming red blood cells. A deficiency of iron leads to anemia, characterized by headaches, fatigue, mental slowness and other serious side-effects.

Blood Pressure

Rutin in buckwheat helps cure high blood pressure. Rutin acts as a vasodilator, which increases blood flow and reduces the chances of several types of heart problems and stroke.

Immune System Health

Its rich abundance of antioxidants has a great impact on the immune system, thereby protecting the body from disease. Its antioxidant components also eliminate free radicals, like selenium, tocopherols, flavonoids and phenolic acid.