7 Proven Health Benefits of Buckwheat Flour

Buckwheat is a versatile and nutritious grain that contains all nine essential amino acids, the fundamental building blocks of proteins in our bodies. One crucial amino acid, Lysine, is abundant in buckwheat flour, a component often lacking in stable grain flours like wheat or rice.

Furthermore, buckwheat is rich in insoluble fiber, playing a vital role in maintaining digestive health and preventing various diseases, including cardiovascular issues and blood sugar problems. Its diverse applications in culinary traditions worldwide highlight its significance. In countries like Russia and China, where it is extensively cultivated, buckwheat flour is used in a wide array of local dishes.

In India, buckwheat flour, known as kuttu ka atta, holds cultural importance, especially during the festive season of 'navratra.' During this period, individuals observing fasts are exempted from consuming cereal foods. Buckwheat flour serves as a viable alternative and is commonly used to prepare special dishes like 'paranthas,' 'pakoras,' or 'puris,' showcasing its versatility in Indian cuisine.

# Heart Health

Buckwheat flour is a rich source of flavonoids, such as rutin, which act as anti-oxidants. It reduces the activity of lipids which helps in maintaining flow of blood and do not let platelets to clot in large numbers. Rutin itself has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

Buckwheat ‘Kittu atta’ flour is also a good source of magnesium which relaxes the blood vessels. This not only improves flow of blood and nutrients but also lowers the blood pressure. All of these are good for heart health.

Buckwheat also provides dietary fiber which is known to reduce the cholesterol levels in body. This reduces the blood pressure levels and health risks associated with heart, diabetes, obesity and stroke.

# Non-Allergic

For people who are allergic to gluten, it is a good alternative since it does not have gluten content. Therefore, it prevents occurrence of allergies or reactions.

# Improvement in digestion

Due to presence of insoluble fiber in buckwheat, intestines are able to perform better digestion of food. Also, due to a feeling of fullness, it prevents from eating too much with the result that the weight loss can happen.

Another compound which helps in digestion is Niacin and it is present in the buckwheat flour. It converts carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy.

# Weight Management

Research has found that proteins present in diet are able to provide feeling of fullness or satiety. This increases the gap between meals as people do not feel hungry frequently. The calorie intake is reduced which helps in maintaining weight.

# Diabetes Management

There are two type of carbohydrates. One is simple and the other is complex. The simpler ones are easy to break down while the complex ones take longer time.

Buckwheat flour is rich in complex carbohydrates, such as D-chiro inositol, which takes longer time period for breaking down. This slows down the process of digestion and keep blood sugar levels in check.

# Protection against cancer

Buckwheat flour contains compounds which help in fighting against certain cancers. These compounds are antioxidants and phenolic. These help in preventing emergence of free radicals and inflammation.

# Helps prevent gallstones

Due to richness in insoluble fiber content, buckwheat flour prevents creation of gallstones to a great extent. Since the insoluble fiber reduces secretion of bile, thereby reducing the digestion process, the chances of formation of gallstones are also reduced considerably simultaneously.