7 Amazing benefits of Buckwheat flour (Kuttu ka atta)
Buckwheat is not a form of wheat. In fact, it is not even a grain. Buckwheat is actually a fruit seed related to rhubarb. It is a gluten-free, high fibre, high protein alternative to wheat flour. Buckwheat flour has been consumed in Asian countries for ages and now the world is waking up to it.
One of the main reasons for its popularity is that buckwheat is gluten-free. With the rise in gluten intolerance around the world, people are looking at gluten-free alternatives and buckwheat flour fits the bill perfectly.
Buckwheat floor is known as Kuttu ka atta in India and is predominantly eaten during fast. But it can be eaten as a regular flour too due to it innumerable benefits.
- Gluten-free: Buckwheat contains zero gluten and hence it is a boon for people with celiac disease. Avoiding gluten-containing grains and swapping in buckwheat instead can help prevent digestive disturbances like bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and even leaky gut syndrome.
- Good quality protein: The protein in buckwheat is a high-quality and easily digestible protein, containing all twelve essential amino acids. 100 gm of buckwheat provides 13 gm of protein, which is more than any other grain.
- Aids in weight loss: Buckwheat has a low glycemic index. The carbohydrates in buckwheat are complex carbs which get absorbed slowly into the bloodstream. This keeps you full for longer and hence prevents overeating. Low GI and high fibre make this an ideal choice for weight loss.
- Diabetes management: Being low GI, low calorie and fat-free makes buckwheat an ideal food for the diabetic patients. Buckwheat contains D-chiro-inositol which helps in controlling Type 2 diabetes. Buckwheat is also high in magnesium, phytonutrients, and dietary fibre.
- Heart health: Buckwheat contains flavonoids for heart and circulatory health. It has high levels of antioxidant polyphenols—especially rutin (a bioflavonoid), which support the circulatory system and helps to prevent recurrent bleeding caused by weakened blood vessels, as in haemorrhoids and varicose veins.
- Blood pressure management: Rutin acts as an ACE inhibitor and contributes to buckwheat’s ability to reduce high blood pressure. B vitamins, manganese, phosphorus and zinc present in buckwheat help with healthy circulation and blood vessel function
- Good digestion: Buckwheat is rich in fibre which helps in maintaining good digestive health. The neutral thermal properties of buckwheat help to cleanse and strengthen the intestines. Buckwheat can protect the digestive organs by preventing oxidative stress in the digestive tract.
With so many benefits, it is difficult to ignore buckwheat. Start using it and stay healthy 🙂
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