Top 5 health benefits of buckwheat (2024)

What is buckwheat?

Despite having ‘wheat’ in its name, buckwheat is actually a seed and sometimes referred to as a ‘pseudo-grain’. Processed into groats, buckwheat has the appearance of small, nugget-type granules that can be used in the same way as rice. You may also find buckwheat as flour, noodles or even flakes, making it a versatile substitute for wheat flour. Discover our how to cook buckwheat guide.

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Discover our full range of health benefit guides or check out some of our best buckwheat recipes. Start the day well with our spinach protein pancakes and finish with lamb with buckwheat noodles & tomato dressing.

Top 5 health benefits of buckwheat (1)

Nutritional benefits of buckwheat

A 100g serving of buckwheat (boiled) provides:

  • 118kcal / 497kj
  • 4.3g protein
  • 1.2g fat
  • 21.3g carbohydrate
  • 2.1g fibre
  • 65mg magnesium
Top 5 health benefits of buckwheat (2)

Top 5 health benefits of buckwheat

1. It's gluten-free

Buckwheat is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with coeliac disease. However, if avoiding gluten is important for you, make sure you check labels when purchasing buckwheat products. This is because some commercial products such as soba noodles may be made using buckwheat combined with wheat and therefore will not be gluten-free.

2. Rich in antioxidants

Buckwheat has an enviable antioxidant profile, better than that of many common cereal grains like oats or wheat. As well as containing plant compounds like rutin, it is one of the richest food sources of d-chiro inositol.

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3. May be beneficial for blood sugar management

Buckwheat supplies fibre, and benefits from a low-to-medium glycaemic index. This means it has a moderate effect on blood sugar levels and may even lower blood sugar levels. Studies suggest this effect may be thanks to soluble carbohydrate in buckwheat that makes cells more responsive to the hormone insulin and may delay the digestion of sugar.

4. Supports a healthy heart

Buckwheat is rich in heart-healthy nutrients, including magnesium and fibre. In addition, it is a good source of plant compounds called rutin and quercetin, which have protective antioxidant properties.

Buckwheat may also improve cholesterol balance; animal studies suggest this is due to a protein in the seed that binds with cholesterol, inhibiting its absorption to the blood.

5. Source of fibre

Buckwheat is rich in fibre, especially insoluble fibre and a type known as resistant starch, both of which are of particular benefit to gut health. This is because the beneficial bacteria that live in the gut use these fibres as a source of fuel, helping them increase in number and simultaneously produce by-products that are valuable for gut health.

Is buckwheat safe for everyone?

Buckwheat is safe for most people, including those with coeliac disease. However, some people may be allergic. This may be relevant for those with an allergy to latex or rice due to a cross-reactivity.

If you have concerns or queries, refer to your GP or healthcare professional. More information on allergy may be found at NHS website.

Buckwheat recipes

Cinnamon buckwheat pancakes
Mushroom buckwheat risotto
Date & buckwheat granola with pecans & seeds
Sea trout & buckwheat salad with watercress & asparagus
Chicken soba noodles

Now read:

The health benefits of quinoa
The health benefits of chia seeds
The health benefits of coconut flour

This article was last reviewed on 31 August 2021 by Kerry Torrens.

Nicola Shubrook is a nutritional therapist and works with both private clients and the corporate sector. She is an accredited member of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT) and the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Find out more at urbanwellness.co.uk.

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All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

Top 5 health benefits of buckwheat (2024)

FAQs

Top 5 health benefits of buckwheat? ›

Buckwheat is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids (74.5%–79.3%), which have health benefits against heart diseases, cancer, inflammation, and diabetes (Ruan et al., 2020).

What are the benefits of buckwheat for the body? ›

Buckwheat is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids (74.5%–79.3%), which have health benefits against heart diseases, cancer, inflammation, and diabetes (Ruan et al., 2020).

Is it okay to eat buckwheat every day? ›

Studies indicate that people who regularly eat buckwheat products have lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose levels. By helping to manage these risk factors, a diet rich in buckwheat helps to reduce your chances of developing cardiovascular disease.

Is buckwheat a superfood? ›

Buckwheat is a highly nutritious whole grain that many people consider to be a superfood. Some health benefits of buckwheat may include improving heart health, promoting weight loss, and helping manage diabetes. Buckwheat is a good source of protein, fiber, and energy.

Is buckwheat healthier than oatmeal? ›

Buckwheat is rich in various antioxidant plant compounds, which are responsible for many of its health benefits. In fact, it provides more antioxidants than many other cereal grains, such as barley, oats, wheat, and rye (21, 22 , 23 ).

What are the pros and cons of buckwheat? ›

Taking buckwheat might lower some markers of heart disease, including cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar in people who are healthy or those with diabetes or high cholesterol. But buckwheat doesn't seem to improve blood pressure, body weight, or other types of cholesterol.

Is buckwheat an anti inflammatory? ›

Anti-inflammatory

Buckwheat contains phytochemicals, rutin and quercetin, which have antioxidant effects and reduce inflammation. These chemicals protect your cells against free radicals and prevent inflammation that can contribute to chronic diseases like cancer.

What are 3 facts about buckwheat? ›

Buckwheat is rarely affected by pests, and in fact will attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs. Bees go wild for buckwheat — molasses-like buckwheat honey is dark, rich and prized by chefs. Farmers have traditionally employed buckwheat as a “green manure” crop, returning mature buckwheat plants back into the soil.

Are there any side effects from eating buckwheat? ›

Some people might have an allergic reaction to buckwheat. This is rare but can occur. Swelling in the mouth, hives, and trouble breathing.

What is healthier, rice or buckwheat? ›

Buckwheat has a high mineral and antioxidant content, resulting in several health benefits. Buckwheat contains more protein than rice and has higher essential amino acids, including lysine and arginine (essential for children). Buckwheat is gluten-free, hence safe for people with a gluten allergy or celiac disease.

Is buckwheat good for skin? ›

Buckwheat is great for your 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.

Why is buckwheat so expensive? ›

Why Is It So Expensive? While the global production volume of wheat reached almost 785 million metric tonsin season of 2022/2023, at the same time, buckwheat global production was slightly above 2 million metric tons, therefore it is a minor crop compared to other grains.

Is buckwheat high in iron? ›

Buckwheat is also rich in several micronutrients such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, iron, and magnesium.

What are 2 benefits of eating buckwheat? ›

Buckwheat is rich in heart-healthy nutrients, including magnesium and fibre. In addition, it is a good source of plant compounds called rutin and quercetin, which have protective antioxidant properties.

What is the best way to eat buckwheat? ›

Buckwheat 'grains' or seeds, are also known as 'groats' and can be simmered until tender. It's common practice to wash the grains well before use, but when soaked and then baked, they add crunch to granolas and salads. When soaked and blended before simmering, the buckwheat breaks down into a porridge.

How much buckwheat should I eat a day? ›

May Help Prevent Diverticular Disease. Medical authorities recommend that adults get between 20 and 35 grams of fiber per day. If you eat 3/4 cup of buckwheat groats as a hot cereal for breakfast, you are off to a great start.

Who should not eat buckwheat? ›

Buckwheat is generally considered to be safe to consume, and severe reactions are rare. Some people that are allergic to rice, poppy seeds, coconut and latex may be allergic to buckwheat. Allergy symptoms of buckwheat can include, hives, skin rash, asthma, itching, swelling and difficulty breathing.

Does buckwheat spike blood sugar? ›

Buckwheat has a low glycemic index, meaning it doesn't cause a significant spike in blood sugar levels. Studies have found that buckwheat was not only insulin lowering, but insulin resistance attenuating as well.

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