Buckwheat

n Energizing and nutritious, buckwheat is available throughout the year and can be served as an alternative to rice or made into porridge.

n Despite the name, buckwheat is not related to wheat, neither a cereal nor grain, it is actually a fruit seed that is related to rhubarb and sorrel making it a suitable substitute for grains for people who are sensitive to wheat or other grains that contain protein glutens.

Buckwheat flowers are very fragrant and are attractive to bees that use them to produce a special, strongly flavored, dark honey.

n Buckwheat has a unique triangular shape. Buckwheat plants grow fast and produce seeds in about six weeks.

n Buckwheat seeds are rich in starch, proteins, minerals like iron, zinc and selenium, antioxidants and some aromatic compounds such as salicylaldehyde, phenylacetaldehyde, etc. Buckwheat noodles play an important role in Japanese cuisines while buckwheat groats are common in western Asia and eastern Europe.

Buckwheat can be used as rice substitute and buckwheat porridge is a favorite dish for many.

Here are 10 reasons to include buckwheat into your diet:

Buckwheat in Mysore Prakriti
  1. Buckwheat contains all 8 amino acids which are essential for good health.
  2. Buckwheat is high in magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, phosphorus and also B vitamins.
  3. It is high in fiber which we all know is good for us and keeps our bowels moving.
  4. It is high in flavonoids which act as an antioxidant which help protect your body against free radicals.
  5. Buckwheat contains omega 3 oils.
  6. It lowers glucose levels which is helpful for people with diabetes.
  7. Buckwheat can lower blood pressure.
  8. It has proven to help lower cholesterol.
  9. It can take as little as 5 minutes to cook.
  10. It tastes delicious.