What Is Buckwheat And What Are Its Benefits?

What is Buckwheat?

Buckwheat is not a type of wheat (misleading, we know), but instead is actually a type of seed from the same family as plants like sorrel and rhubarb. These seeds can then be processed to resemble something like couscous when boiled, but is also ground to make flour and noodles. 

What is the nutritional profile of buckwheat?

Buckwheat is a versatile seed that packs a lot of nutrients in each portion, making it a great health food:

• Good source of plant-based protein, being a seed
• Fantastic source of magnesium — a 100g portion is actually over the recommended daily intake
• Good source of other key minerals such as zinc, iron and manganese
• Good source of B Vitamins

What are the benefits of buckwheat?

Nutritionally, buckwheat is clearly a great food to incorporate into your diet as it is a great source of a range of key minerals. However, it is also a good source of a phytonutrient called rutin which can help prevent heart disease. More generally though, buckwheat does also have a few benefits — it is naturally gluten free and can make a great alternative for wheat flour or noodles for those who are intolerant or insensitive to gluten. 

Got any other health-based questions? Let us know in the comments!