Buckwheat – An Overview
Buckwheat is a pseudocereal plant that carries many qualities of cereal, but is not at all a part of the cereal species (1). Due to its similarity to the actual grains such as wheat, it is often used in bread and pasta. Buckwheat tea is produced from the seeds of the plant. Its taste is light and subtle, it is drunk for enjoyment apart from health purposes. Some studies suggest that it aids in weight loss, improves the health of the blood vessels and reduces blood cholesterol. The preliminary research on Buckwheat tea is promising and suggests that the nutrients and chemicals in the tea can serve as a nutritional supplement.
Buckwheat Tea Benefits
Following are the incredible health benefits of buckwheat tea:
1. May Treat And Prevent Edema
According to a study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology, Buckwheat tea is highly effective in treating the edema swelling caused due to Chronic Venous Insufficiency (2). The study was carried out on human patients in whom one group was given the buckwheat tea while the other patients received placebo tea. The researchers noted a considerable improvement in the patients who received the Buckwheat tea than the patients in the other group. The study says that the tea was safe and had favorably influenced the edema patients with the CVI problem and can prevent its further progress.
2. May Have Significant Cardiovascular Benefits
Research suggests that increased intake of buckwheat may lower risk markers for cardiovascular diseases, such as glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides (3), (4).
3. May Reduce Blood Glucose
A paper published in The Journal of Agricultural and Food chemistry states that Buckwheat tea or the concentrate reduced the level of blood glucose in diabetic rats (5). However, the process of preparation of Buckwheat tea or concentrates, in this case, is different from the regular method. Human studies have also linked buckwheat consumption with reduced risk of hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose (6).
4. May Improve Renal Function
Buckwheat concentrate, or the high-density tea, when given to rats inflicted intentionally with kidney damage showed significant improvement in the renal function and slowed down the kidney disease progression (7). However, the experiment is yet to be tried on human beings, but is expected to deliver similar results in people suffering from renal problems.
5. May Be Beneficial In Treating Diabetes
In a study, it was found that the ingredients present in the Buckwheat tea were beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels in diabetic mice. The rutin found in Buckwheat is extremely helpful in preventing type 2 diabetes when used with novel strategies. Another placebo-controlled study has concluded that the Buckwheat seed extract or tea lowers the levels of blood glucose by 12 to 19% at 90 and 120 minutes after administration when given to laboratory animals with intentionally inflicted diabetes. On the other hand, the placebo group of animals did not show any glucose reduction (5). The scientists believe that the glucose lowering effect is caused due to the presence of a chiro-inositol compound that has been found to play a pivotal role in cell signaling and glucose metabolism in both animals and human beings. The researchers believe that the chiro-inositol may act as an insulin mimic and increase the sensitivity of the body cells to insulin.
6. May Improve Ovulatory Function
According to a human study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, buckwheat seeds and grains are loaded with D-Chiro-Inositol that increases the insulin actions in patients suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome. (8). Thus, it may contribute to improving the functioning of the ovulation, reducing blood pressure levels, decreasing the concentrations of serum androgen and plasma triglyceride.
7. May Protect Against Cancer And Heart Disease
Phytonutrients present in cereals and whole grains such as buckwheat are exceptionally helpful in improving digestion and certain types of stomach and gallbladder problems. The buckwheat plant contains lignans- a type of gut-friendly compounds that are converted into mammalian lignans such as the enterolactone, known to protect the body against breast cancer and other hormone-dependent cancers and heart disease. Although the lignan content in beverages such as Buckwheat tea or coffee is comparatively low, its regular intake shows significant improvement in the body’s cancer-fighting ability and keeps heart problems at bay (9), (10).
8. May Improve Immunity
Buckwheat is an important source of water-soluble, insoluble and fat-soluble vitamins and powerful antioxidants (11). It is rich in tocotrienols, vitamin E, phenolic acids, selenium and phytic acid. These are exceptionally good at improving natural immunity. The antioxidants fight the toxic free radicals in the body, and offering protection against harmful viral, bacterial and fungal infections (12).
9. May Aid Weight Loss
Buckwheat tea is low in calories and hence is an ideal replacement for high-calorie drinks. Substituting high- calorie beverages with buckwheat tea helps you to lose weight and enjoy the kick. Although not much evidence is available about the effect of this tea for weight loss, researchers believe that the presence of catechins, a naturally occurring antioxidant in the buckwheat tea, can support metabolic health and promote weight loss. A detailed study of obesity has revealed that the extracts in green or buckwheat tea contain a good amount of catechins that help in weight control (13), (14).
10. A Good Anti-Caffeine Source
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and is beneficial for weight loss and overall health (15). However, if you have been advised to cut down on caffeine in your diet, and want to follow a low-oxalate diet, buckwheat tea is the best alternative. It offers all the benefits of green tea sans caffeine and can be an ideal choice for those who want to follow The Kidney Stone Avoidance Diet. The vitexin and rutin in the buckwheat tea improve blood flow, and prevent varicose veins and leg edema. Can I drink buckwheat tea every day? Yes, you can drink buckwheat tea every day in moderation. Buckwheat tea is packed with antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that may help boost your immune system and overall health. Is buckwheat prebiotic? Yes. Buckwheat is a prebiotic and nutritious food that helps boost the growth of lactic acid bacteria (12). Is buckwheat alkaline or acidic? Buckwheat is slightly acidic in nature, with a pH of 6.1 (13). Does buckwheat affect hormones? Yes. The amino acids present in buckwheat may help modulate gastrointestinal hormones and promote satiety (14). Is buckwheat good for IBS? Yes. Buckwheat is a gluten-free cereal and, hence, can be consumed by people with IBS (15).
