buckwheat

Buckwheat comes from the Fagopyrum esculentum plant and is also known as buckwheat or poor country wheat.

It is popularly classified as a cereal but it really is not, it is considered a pseudocereal, since it does not belong to the grass family, but to the polygonaceae.

It is native to Northeast Asia where it has been cultivated for more than 7000 years, although the most widespread cultivation is located in Central Asia, being integrated into European cultivation in the 16th century.

It has a very characteristic flavor, stronger than other grains, intense but smooth and pleasant, with hints of nuts, a rustic flavor reminiscent of hops. In addition, the buckwheat grain has a peculiar shape with a miniature pyramidal appearance.

In the kitchen, the buckwheat grain is used, after cooking, as a complementary ingredient in salads or garnishes, as if it were quinoa. Or dry, ground, in the form of flour, to make different foods such as bread, pancakes or crepes.

Benefits and properties of buckwheat

It is recommended in hypocaloric diets in order to control weight, since it is low in fat and has a high satiating power.

It is beneficial for cardiovascular health as it contains antioxidants and amino acids, specifically the polyphenolic, which reduce swelling, prevent the formation of clots and regulate blood pressure, blood fat profile and cholesterol levels.

It has a regulating effect on the level of sugars in the blood, since it does not cause high spikes in sugar. This is thanks to the slow-absorbing complex carbohydrates it contains.

It contributes to an improvement in transit and intestinal health, since it provides a considerable amount of fiber, part of which contains resistant starch that acts as a prebiotic fiber, improving the intestinal flora. It is a good ally in cases of constipation.

Contains high-quality protein with all essential amino acids and is rich in lysine and arginine.

It is rich in vitamins and minerals;

-Vitamins of group B such as niacin or Vitamin B3 and Vitamin E

-Magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, phosphorus, potassium etc.

It contains fats, mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, with omega-6 essential fatty acids as its main contribution.