ADVERTISEMENT
Runners everywhere are filling up with this super seed and for very good reason!
Despite its name, buckwheat isn’t related to wheat. It’s a relative of rhubarb whose seeds are harvested and used as a grain throughout Asia. It is used like a grain in cooking, yet is much healthier than rice, wheat and corn. Here are some of its key health benefits:
1. Low on the glymcic scale
Ranking lower on the glymcic scale than most cereal products, buckwheat offers a healthy cereal replacement. A low glycaemic index in foods helps reduce storage of sugar in the form of fat.
2. Helps lower cholesterol
Scientists have found that a protien found in buckwheat has an ability to bind to cholesterol, preventing it being absorbed by the body – great news for those looking to eat healthily and lose weight.
3. High in protein
A strong source of protien, buckwheat is great for runners, supporting muscle growth and repair and helping to reduce the risk of running-induced injuries.
4. Gluten-free
Unlike traditional wheat, buckwheat is gluten-free and is highly recomended for those suffering from coleliac disease and gluten-sensitivity.
5. A good source of soluble fibre
Fibre gives foods their bulky quality, helping you to feel fuller for longer. Soluable fibres are required within the diet for good digestion of foods, supporting healthy gut movements. Fibre also blinds to toxins aiding their excretion from the body and buckwheat is therefore a great body detoxer.
6. Bursting with vitamins
Buckweat contains vitamins P, B1, B3, B5 and B6 all of which support a healthy immune system and increase metabolism.
7. Anti-inflammatory
Buckwheat has a high content of flavonoids. These antioxidants contain anti-inflammatory properties to help strenghten blood vessels.
8. A great breakfast ingrediant
Containing more fluor, copper, zinc than wheat and posessing a higher antixodiant content than any other grain, many are now swapping their daily bowl of cereal for buckwheat. Buckwheat-based cereals are also now on offer such as raw buckwheat granolas offered by The Living Food Kitchen.
