Most everyone knows about the delicious superfood quinoa and its health benefits, but in case you don’t, let me share: it’s a complete protein offering all 9 essential amino acids, has a ton of vitamins and minerals, its very high in fiber, and easier to digest than most other grains.
But if you’re getting bored of only using quinoa, maybe it’s time you start exploring other delicious, nutritious, and naturally gluten-free grains. (And in fact, quinoa and all of these that I’m about to list, are technically NOT grains, but SEEDS that are high in protein and fiber. I call them “grain-like seeds”. Which is in part why they're easier on the gut!) Examples include:
- Buckwheat
- Sorghum
- Millet
- Amaranth
- Teff
image from food.ndtv.com
Today I want to focus on BUCKWHEAT as its one of my favorites. I started eating it for its hormone-balancing properties, and now I eat it because I love it!
Here is why you should be adding buckwheat to your diet (and 4 delicious recipes!):
Buckwheat:
- is naturally wheat-free and gluten-free (don’t be fooled by the “wheat” in the name).
- provides a high amount of protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants – all with relatively few calories and practically no fat.
- contains lysine and arginine, 2 amino acids not commonly found in other grains. that help your body build muscle, collagen and other amino-acids (and have detoxifying properties!)
- has a TON of resistant fiber and a compound called D-chiro inositol, both of which help with blood sugar management– which can help with PCOS, and generally, any insulin resistance.
- has a unique amino acid composition (vs other grains and seeds) that helps with lowering cholesterol, hypertension, and relieving constipation.
Plus its so versatile! You can enjoy buckwheat groats, buckwheat flour, and even buckwheat pasta. Buckwheat groats look a lot like barley, except it’s naturally gluten-free, and is great to add to soups, stews or salads. Buckwheat flour can replace your normal flour for any baking, crepes or pancakes for example.
Here are 4 delicious recipes with this superfood grain-like-seed:
Colorful Buckwheat Salad (using buckwheat groats)
Buckwheat Breakfast Porridge (using buckwheat groats)
Easy Buckwheat Crepes (using buckwheat flour)
Buckwheat Pasta With Creamy Sesame-Avocado Sauce (with buckwheat flour pasta)
What’s your favorite grain (or grain-like seed)? Please share, let me know why, and what recipes you love!
Images by food.ndtv.com