Buckwheat Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Many people consider buckwheat to be a grain, but it’s actually the seed of a fruit. Buckwheat, contrary to what the name may suggest, is actually a gluten-free seed and can be used as a dietary substitute by those who are gluten-intolerant or celiac. ^1,2

Buckwheat has always been a popular seed in Eastern countries, but it’s becoming much more prominent in North America because of its gluten-free benefits.

Buckwheat Health Uses and Health Benefits

Its high nutritional profile provides many buckwheat benefits for improved overall health. Buckwheat is high in both protein and fiber offering dietary benefits as well as benefits for improved digestion. Buckwheat is also high in manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and other essential vitamins and minerals.¹

In addition to nutritional benefits, buckwheat also contains phytochemicals with antioxidant properties. Antioxidant substances in buckwheat like tannins and catechin help protect against conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancers.^1,2

Buckwheat is also known to help prevent heart disease because it helps to naturally regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Buckwheat also has a low glycemic index rating, making it a suitable food for diabetics to manage blood sugar levels.¹

Being high in protein, buckwheat also has benefits for vegetarian and vegan diets. In a 100-gram serving, buckwheat contains between 11-14 grams of protein. As a fiber-rich seed, buckwheat is also great for digestive health, as it can help regulate bowel movements and prevent or ease constipation.¹

References

1. https://draxe.com/buckwheat-nutrition/ 
2. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=11