Buckwheat is a small heart shaped pseudo-grain that has many benefits for our health. Not a true cereal, it actually belongs to the same family as rhubarb. But what exactly are the benefits of buckwheat?

1. Buckwheat is gluten free

There is a lot of confusion these days around some true grains that although considered gluten free, do actually contain some gluten proteins that can trigger a reaction. As a pseudo-grain, one of the best benefits of buckwheat is that it is completely gluten free. Because of this, it finds its way into many gluten free cereals such as our delicious gluten free maple nut crunch.

Buckwheat groats are also an excellent addition to your arsenal of gluten free grains.

2. Buckwheat supports hormonal balance

Buckwheat is rich in a group of plant hormones known as lignans, that have been shown to promote hormone balance in both men and women. Studies also suggest that these may also help to protect against breast cancer.

3. Buckwheat is great for your skin

It is particular good for sensitive skin. With antioxidant rutin for strengthening capillary walls, and anti inflammatory quercetin, this little seed is really good at calming the flare ups associated with sensitive skin and conditions such as rosacea or eczema.

4. Buckwheat is good for your gut

Buckwheat is a rich source of fibre; both soluble and insoluble. Not only does this help to balance blood sugar levels and lower LDL cholesterol, but helps with healthy digestion too. Soluble fibre lubricates and soothes the gut, whilst the insoluble fibre acts as a prebiotic, keeping the balance of the gut microbiota in check.

5. Buckwheat is a good source of energy

Slow release carbohydrates help maintain blood sugar levels, providing a sustainable course of steady energy. Magnesium and manganese help the body to metabolise this carbohydrate efficiently. In fact buckwheat contains over half the recommended daily allowance of magnesium, making it a truly rich source of this valuable mineral.

As if all these weren’t enough, the antioxidant content of this nutrient rich seed give it some flawless heart healthy credentials too.

We believe that whole grains are the heart of a healthy cereal but did you know that sprouted grains come with extra benefits? Sprouting turns the stored energy inside grains and seeds into raw plant energy, making them more easily digestible and increasing the bioavailability of the nutrients.

How to sprout buckwheat

For sprouting you need the raw seeds. You can tell the difference by looking at the colour; toasted buckwheat is golden brown whilst raw buckwheat is green.

Soak the raw groats for 30 mins, then drain and keep moist until they sprout. You can use a damp j cloth, or layers of kitchen roll, as long as you make sure to prevent them drying out. Once they sprout, eat them soon as they can deteriorate quite quickly.

We stock a range of premium healthy breakfast cereals, including those that are vegan, gluten-free, and even paleo.

If you would like to learn more about what makes a healthy breakfast, be sure to read our in-depth article.

This article was reproduced on this site with permission from operafoods.com.au the “Healthy Australian Cereals Manufacturer”.
See original article:- The 5 Big Benefits of Buckwheat