A new superfood has hit the scene and it might surprise you to know that it’s humble buckwheat. What’s so special about this grain? For starters, it’s actually a seed of a plant related to rhubarb, and it comes with many health benefits.
Eat Protein for Immunity
If you’re looking to add more protein to your diet, buckwheat is the answer. It has more protein than rice, wheat and corn. It also contains amino acids arginine and lysine that are not usually found in grains. These help to boost your body’s immunity, so it’s great for keeping winter flu at bay!
Pack on the Fibre
Just one cup of buckwheat will give you almost 20 percent of your daily fiber requirements, meaning that you stay fuller for longer while warding off illnesses such as cancer.
Lower Your Blood Pressure
Hypertension drugs keep high blood pressure at a healthy level, but buckwheat proteins help to lower your hypertension naturally. They fulfil the same function as those medicines without the potentially harmful side-effects.
Bring on the Good Fats
Buckwheat is a low-fat food that contains monounsaturated fatty acids. These are the type of fats found in healthy foods such as olive oil that are good for your heart.
Improve Your Insulin
Researchers from Manitoba University in Canada discovered that buckwheat decreases your glucose levels by up to almost 20 percent! It also enables your body to better regulate insulin, helping to decrease your risk of getting diabetes.
Get a Flavanoid Fix
These phytonutrients keep your body protected against disease because they extend the work of Vitamin C in the body. They also work as antioxidants, keeping you more protected against illnesses.
Boost Your Magnesium
The body needs magnesium for over 300 chemical reactions. One of them is to have great energy levels. If you battle to get out of bed on winter mornings, add some buckwheat to your day. One serving of buckwheat contains approximately 86mg of magnesium. That’s quite a lot if you consider that your daily recommended amount is 310mg.
Image credit: Flickr Creative Commons CC by 2.0 by Elvin Strauhmanis
