Buckwheat is the most important agricultural crop. It is irreplaceable in nutrition, it is included in medical and dietary programs. Its homeland is considered the north of Hindustan, the mountainous regions of Nepal and India, where the plant has been grown for several thousand years.
Groats came to our country from Romania, at first it was grown by Greek monks, which is reflected in the name. Its value has been known since ancient times. The great commander A. A. V. Suvorov called it “heroic food”. Dishes made from it give strength, keep the feeling of satiety for a long time, enrich the body with nutrients, and also have other unique properties.
Buckwheat composition
Groats are distinguished by their rich composition and high nutritional value. Fats, proteins and carbohydrates are in an optimal ratio. It contains very little starch, and surpasses semolina, barley, barley, oats and rice in terms of protein.
In comparison with other cereals, it contains the maximum amount of rutin, which greatly enhances the positive effect of ascorbic acid, but the benefits of buckwheat are not only this. Vegetable proteins are abundant in small pyramidal grains. These are 18 amino acids, 8 of which the body does not synthesize on its own.
The most significant of them:
- methionine,
- tryptophan,
- arginine,
- lysine,
- glycine,
The lack of gluten makes the product valuable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. In addition, cereals contain a long list of important chemical elements for humans:
- magnesium,
- potassium,
- iron,
- zinc,
- selenium,
- silicon,
- iodine,
- manganese,
- chromium,
- nickel,
- cobalt,
- fluorine,
And that is not all! The cereal contains carotenoids, vitamin E, and B vitamins. They are involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, are responsible for the synthesis of hormones, help the heart and blood vessels, are beneficial for the thyroid gland, improve immunity and aid digestion. The composition includes:
- phytoestrogens,
- flavonoids,
- phospholipids and omega-3 fatty acids.
Useful properties of buckwheat
A huge plus of cereals is its environmental friendliness. When grown, it does not need pesticides and large doses of chemical fertilizers that are dangerous to humans. Buckwheat copes with pests on its own. This culture cannot be genetically modified.
The benefits of buckwheat for the body are undeniable. Eating it in food increases the effectiveness of the treatment of chronic diseases, and is also an excellent prevention. It has a positive effect not only on the condition of the heart, the digestive system and the endocrine system, but also on the entire body: Fiber stimulates the intestines, relieves constipation and gas, and improves motor function.
Fiber stimulates the intestines, relieves constipation and gas, and improves motor function.
– Nicotinic acid is good for blood vessels, it reduces capillary permeability, prevents blood clots, dilates blood vessels and reduces inflammation. Vitamin PP removes “bad” cholesterol, reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
– Thanks to phospholipids and amino acids, the product has a hepatoprotective effect, preventing liver steatosis. Magnesium and flavonoids accelerate the flow of bile, improve its composition, prevent stagnation in the gallbladder and reduce the risk of stone formation.
– Groats are important for those suffering from diabetes mellitus. It stabilizes blood glucose levels. Regular consumption of foods made from it reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
– The rich mineral composition promotes the synthesis of hemoglobin and improves the blood composition.
Groats are good for muscles and bones. Its proteins slow down the destructive age-related changes and make tissues stronger and more resilient.
– Zinc, copper and silicon, which are found in the kernels of cereals, as well as the amino acids methionine and lysine are involved in the natural production of collagen. It improves appearance, but also helps to overcome problems in the work of the musculoskeletal system.
– The product increases the defenses, helps to reduce body fat and cleanses the body of harmful substances.
– The amino acid tryptophan in combination with magnesium and B vitamins improves psycho-emotional state, normalizes sleep and improves brain function.
Who is buckwheat good for?
- Diabetics and everyone who has extra pounds.
- Children and the elderly.
- Pregnant and lactating.
- Women during menopause and menopause.
- Suffering from cardiovascular diseases and having joint problems.
- For men of any age.
- Anyone who has problems with digestion, nervous system or metabolism.
The harm of buckwheat porridge for the body
The harm of buckwheat is practically zero. For the human body, only a long-term mono-diet for the purpose of losing weight, as well as individual intolerance to the product, can be dangerous. It is undesirable to use it in excess for persons with renal insufficiency.
Green buckwheat: benefits and harms
Green buckwheat is sometimes found on sale. How does it differ from the usual one? The main thing is the way of processing. Usually the groats undergo heat treatment and as a result, they acquire a brownish color.
Green kernels are not thermally affected, so they contain more nutrients and can be germinated. Sprouts are the best option for what green buckwheat can give. The harm of such a product can only be with excessive use or with individual intolerance.
Unprocessed cereals contain enzymes that are not found in brown roasted grains. Thanks to these substances, food is better absorbed, preserving the energy of the body. Adding green buckwheat to the diet improves health, removes toxins, strengthens the immune system, protects against stress and the development of cardiovascular pathologies.
Dishes from it normalize blood pressure, improve the condition of nails, skin and hair, cleanse the kidneys and liver, and normalize metabolic processes. Everyone who seeks to improve health and prolong youth should know what green buckwheat is useful for.
The benefits of sprouted green buckwheat
Sprouts are a valuable nutritional supplement. It is a storehouse of nutrients that are easy to digest. Sprouted green buckwheat is a completely natural product. The concentration of active substances in it is almost twice as high as in ordinary cereals.
Many have heard about the benefits of sprouted buckwheat. But not everyone knows what to do with it in order to get a quality food supplement. The harm of sprouted buckwheat can be if the recommendations for cooking are not followed and if consumed excessively.
How to germinate green buckwheat at home?
First of all, it should be thoroughly sorted out, discarding garbage, damaged and spoiled grains. Then rinse thoroughly and soak in a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate for a couple of minutes. After that, soak in tap water for 1.5-2 hours. It is better to protect it from direct sunlight.
Germinating green buckwheat is a troublesome and time-consuming process, but the result is worth the effort. Swollen cereals should be rinsed again to remove mucus, rinsed and laid out on a dry kitchen towel. After drying, the grains are poured onto a saucer, covered with a lid and placed in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight.
The process is started, after 8 hours the grains will hatch, and they can be eaten. The most useful are two-day ones. After this time, buckwheat should no longer be germinated. They are washed again with water before use. Sprouted green buckwheat is stored in a cold place for no more than 3-4 days.
How to germinate buckwheat to get 100% benefit? This is not difficult. The main thing is to follow the recommendations and sequence of actions.
How is sprouted buckwheat eaten?
It is added to yogurt, to cottage cheese, seasoned with berry puree, citrus juice or vegetable oil, and healthy snacks are also prepared from it.
Recipe 1. Avocado salad with sprouted buckwheat
Ingredients:
- one ripe, medium-sized avocado,
- 4-5 tablespoons of sprouted buckwheat grains,
- juice of half an orange.
- salt and olive oil – to taste,
- cucumber, tomato, arugula – optional.
Cooking.
- Wash the avocado, peel with a sharp knife, cut in half and remove the pit.
- Cut the resulting halves into thin slices and pour over them with lemon juice.
- Mix avocado with sprouts, salt, add finely chopped vegetables and herbs.
Recipe 2. Banana smoothie with buckwheat sprouts
Ingredients:
- 1 banana,
- 100 g of buckwheat sprouts,
- a teaspoon of honey,
- 5 fruits of dried figs,
- a glass of any fruit yogurt.
- cinnamon on the tip of a knife.
Preparation:
- Peel and cut the banana into slices.
- Finely chop the figs soaked overnight.
- Put banana, figs, buckwheat and the rest of the ingredients in a blender.
- Pour in yogurt and beat until the required consistency.
- Pour into glasses and serve with straws.
How to choose buckwheat?
The taste of the dish and its nutritional properties depend on the choice of cereals. You should pay attention to the appearance of the product and the date of production. In some cases, the product may lose its beneficial properties. That is why it is important to know how to choose the right buckwheat. Preference should be given to cereals that are not too dark in color. It is not overcooked, and useful qualities are better preserved in it. The kernels should be approximately the same size, evenly colored. An important condition is the absence of impurities and odors.