Sprouted buckwheat: benefits and harms

Often buckwheat is called the queen of cereals because of its many benefits, in particular its healthy qualities and nutritional value. But we are mainly talking about buckwheat, which has undergone a certain heat treatment and has already lost some of its healing properties. And if we talk about green buckwheat in its unprocessed form, it contains several times more vitamins and minerals. If in addition to germinate such kernels, you get the most useful product.

Regular consumption of such a product is able to work wonders: as a result of using buckwheat sprouts in the human body is purified, rejuvenated, revitalized and protected from various diseases. Adherents of natural foods have long appreciated all the positive aspects of this product and introduced it into the daily diet. For its high value, sprouted cereals are called living cereals.

Composition and calories

As is known, the main component of buckwheat is protein. This substance in such a vegetable product contains about 15 percent of the total weight. In addition, it contains amino acids, among which is lysine, which is required for the assimilation of proteins. Among the B vitamins, buckwheat groats contain nicotinic acid. Sprouted grains also contain ascorbic acid, tocopherol and vegetable fiber.

The mineral composition is represented by Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, K, I. In addition, buckwheat contains flavonoids, which are responsible for regulating many processes going on in the body. The slow carbohydrates found in buckwheat provide a prolonged feeling of satiety.

All these compounds are also present in the brown buckwheat, which is commonly fried, but in the green product all these useful compounds are retained in full. Sprouted grains have more of them, for example, the concentration of ascorbic acid in them is 11 times higher.

In the process of sprouting buckwheat all the components of the product in the form of protein, carbohydrates and fats, which were originally contained in cereals, are broken down into simple compounds, which are better and faster absorbed by the body.

The energy value of the product is 300 kcal per 100 grams of groats.

How is sprouted buckwheat good for you?

General benefits

To learn about the useful properties of sprouted buckwheat, it is necessary to study its chemical composition. So, it contains 18 amino acids, vitamins and mineral components necessary for the proper functioning of the body. The combination of all these substances promotes high resistance to various diseases, improves bone tissue, strengthens the muscular system and prevents the development of atherosclerosis.

Another important value of sprouted cereals is that such fresh cereals have antioxidant properties. The regular use of sprouted buckwheat activates the process of excretion of metabolic products and toxic elements. Such a feature of buckwheat helps people with excess weight to get rid of excessive pounds, as well as normalize the digestive processes.

The product is responsible for the normal level of cholesterol in the blood, helps to clean the blood vessels, removes toxins from the body and reduces the risk of blood clots. The presence of rutin and potassium in buckwheat sprouts ensures the strengthening of vascular walls. Due to the high concentration of iron, you can increase hemoglobin, which saturates the cells of the body with oxygen.

In addition, the inclusion of sprouted buckwheat in the diet improves physical performance. By strengthening the muscles, the product makes it easier to endure any physical activity. This is the reason why sprouted buckwheat grains are recommended for athletes and those engaged in fitness.

Also such a product restores lipid metabolism, as a result of which fat is burned. Therefore, buckwheat is an integral part of various diets.

For women

Buckwheat is especially appreciated by representatives of the weaker sex. Using such a product can reduce the cost of a variety of rejuvenating creams and other cosmetics and at the same time maintain health. This is due to the fact that sprouted buckwheat grains help to strengthen the nail plate and hair follicles, improve the condition of the skin (wrinkles are smoothed, skin tone is leveled, etc.). In addition, the product provides normalization of hormonal background. Also sprouted grains help fight cellulite, cleanse the body of harmful substances and regulate blood pressure.

For men

Just as useful is sprouted grain and for the representatives of the stronger half of mankind. This is due to the fact that buckwheat helps to maintain strength and endurance, to resist depressive states. Also the product helps to increase potency and reduce the likelihood of inflammatory process in the prostate.

Sprouted buckwheat helps to normalize body weight and at the same time provides the male body with stamina even with great physical exertion.

When pregnant

Experts advise pregnant women to use buckwheat in their diet every day. It is the prevention of high cholesterol, weakened immunity, metabolic disorders. The benefits for women in the period of carrying the fetus lies in the rich composition.

For example, rutin in the composition of buckwheat grains strengthens the blood vessels of the future mother, makes them elastic, and also normalizes blood pressure, which often rises during pregnancy.

The folic acid in the product prevents the development of defects in the baby. Amino acids help regulate the acid-alkaline balance in a woman's body and speed up metabolic processes.

Pregnant women often have a weakened immune system, and the iodine contained in this cereal helps to strengthen it.

Also, while waiting for the baby, girls develop iron deficiency anemia. The iron in sprouted buckwheat is a reliable prevention of this disease, which leads to oxygen starvation of the fetus.

Dietary fiber provides natural cleansing of the body, preventing the development of constipation. The low caloric content guarantees fast digestion of carbohydrates, which helps to control body weight. In addition, this cereal helps to reduce the likelihood of toxicosis. Regular consumption of this product provides a woman's body with all the vitamins and minerals that are necessary for both herself and the future baby. However, sprouted buckwheat should be used in moderation.

When breastfeeding

Sprouted buckwheat grains are highly digestible, characterized by biostimulating properties and are very useful during lactation. Thus, the product helps to reduce the likelihood of nervous system abnormalities in the baby, provide the body with calcium. In addition, sprouted cereals ensure the maintenance of normal functioning of the thyroid gland of a nursing woman, as well as a positive effect on bone formation and child development.

For children

The main benefit of such buckwheat for a child is that sprouted buckwheat grits helps to strengthen the protective shell of the body, protecting the baby from diseases of viral origin. The product is also a source of vitamins and minerals. In addition, it is easily digested without burdening the immature children's digestive system. The beneficial effects of cereals affect the immature skeletal system of children.

For weight loss

It is recommended to include such a product in dietary meals, when it is necessary to get rid of excess weight. The fact is that such buckwheat contains fiber, which speeds up the metabolism, which leads to the loss of pounds. Often, fat begins to be deposited precisely because of the slow metabolism. So, the green cereals help to accelerate this process, and the fiber also cleanses the intestines.

The protein contained in cereals is digested rather long time, that is why the buckwheat porridge helps to keep the feeling of fullness for a long time. The body uses a lot of energy to process the cereal, as a result of which calories are burned and, consequently, weight is lost. Micronutrients in the composition of the kernels give the skin elasticity, which is very useful in the process of losing weight.

Sprouted buckwheat grains are products that are rich in enzymes. In the process of thermal processing, these substances are lost, so there are none in fried or boiled porridge. With a lack of such enzymes, the digestive system works hard, resulting in poor absorption of nutrients, a weakened immune system, the rapid aging of the body.

Sprouted buckwheat can eliminate all these troubles. For example, you can use a very simple way to lose weight. You just need to eat a glass of buckwheat with sprouts, a few pears, a couple of apples and about 400 grams of berries during the day. Fruits should be finely chopped or ground with a blender. You get fruit and berry puree. Sprouted buckwheat grains should be poured with lemon juice and eaten during the day together with the mashed potatoes. This is not only an effective way to reduce weight, but also tasty and healthy dish.

Sprouted buckwheat in medicine

Sprouted buckwheat is recommended to be used as a food for a variety of diseases. If a tumor has been detected or if you just need to prevent its development, green buckwheat is a great way to do it. The sprouts of this product contain antioxidants that inhibit the development of cancer cells and remove harmful substances from the body, getting there with food, as well as when exposed to sunlight. In addition, these elements of cereals form an alkaline environment in the body, in which the reproduction and development of tumor cells is impossible. When the pH value increases, they die off.

Also sprouted groats are recommended for pathologies of the blood and cardiovascular system.

Rutin in buckwheat makes the blood vessels elastic, returning the veins to their shape and relieving their stretching. Potassium also strengthens the vascular walls. As a result of using such a product, blood liquefies and circulates more easily through the legs, eliminating stagnation. This is an effective prevention of varicose veins.

Buckwheat sprouts contain phospholipids, the main purpose of which is to regulate the blood glucose level. This property of the product is valuable for any type of diabetes.

Thanks to the antioxidant composition, the resistance to colds and viral diseases increases. This allows a quicker recovery and improved immunity.

Sprouted buckwheat grains are also recommended for pancreatic diseases. The high content of magnesium allows the synthesis of bile and ensures its excretion from the body. As a result, the organ begins to function better, which restores normal metabolism.

Fiber is an element that is extremely necessary for normal intestinal function. It is this substance provides its cleansing and contributes to the better digestion of food. Sprouted buckwheat is a source of valuable fiber, so it is recommended for constipation.

Health Hazards and Contraindications

No matter how many useful qualities this product has, it is important to remember about some of its contraindications. So, you should not use green buckwheat grains with high blood clotting, serious pathologies of the digestive system, such as gastritis, ulcers. In addition, in some cases there may be an individual intolerance to sprouted buckwheat kernels.

Excessive consumption of this dish can cause discomfort in the intestines due to high gas formation.

How to store correctly

Experts advise to prepare so much product that it can be used up within three days. All this time, sprouted buckwheat grains should be stored in the refrigerator and only in a closed container. If there is too much buckwheat, the rest can be dried. This can be done with a special dryer for vegetables, at 40 degrees. As a result of such processing will retain all the active enzymes, and the buckwheat itself will turn out very tasty and crunchy.

How to sprout green buckwheat

The first stage consists in the preparation of raw materials. To begin with, perhaps, should be the choice of a quality product. To buy such buckwheat, you should pay attention to the grains with the same structure and color, without any visible defects and inclusions. The label should indicate the shelf life of the product, this period should not exceed 12 months. When you open the package, there should be a natural, specific smell with no extraneous flavors.

The process of sprouting grains is quite simple, it does not require any effort. It takes an average of two days. First, you need to rinse the buckwheat thoroughly, changing the water several times, remove all debris and damaged seeds, if any. Next, strain the groats, using a colander. At the same time, cover the bottom of such a device with gauze. Pour the washed buckwheat in this dish. On top of the grains also cover with clean gauze, so that they can breathe. Then put it all again under running water to rinse.

When all the liquid drains off, you need to put away for 6-8 hours. This time is necessary for the germination process to begin. After eight hours, soak the gauze napkin in water again and leave the contents for another 6 hours, until the sprouts emerge.

Then remove the grains from the container, pour into a deep dish and rinse them from the mucus. Such products are stored in the refrigerator for no more than three days. Of course, it is more convenient to prepare such a product with a reserve. But experts recommend doing it in small portions.

What can be cooked from sprouted buckwheat: recipes

Recipes for cooking dishes with the addition of sprouted buckwheat are quite simple, since in this case it does not need to be boiled. In food, such a product is used only in raw form. From such grains you can prepare a first course or a side dish to a meat or fish dish, as well as add them to a salad.

Energy bars

Instead of sandwiches, you can prepare energy bars with sprouted buckwheat seeds. You can use them as a nutritious, healthy and delicious snack. They are also recommended for use in childhood.

Of the components, you will need 0.5 cup each of sprouted groats, raisins, prunes and apricots. First you need to soak buckwheat grains for 12 hours, then sprout them. It will take a little more than a day. Then soak the rest of the ingredients for 30 minutes, and then dry and cut into small cubes. After that, mix all the ingredients of the dessert and put on special paper. Now the only thing left is to put the dried fruits with buckwheat in the air grill and turn on the option "Drying" at 95 degrees for an hour and a half at medium fan speed. At the end of the specified period, turn the mass over and send it to dry for another 90 minutes. The finished plate can be cut in the form of bars.

Salad with cherry tomatoes.

You can make a delicious salad with buckwheat sprouts and cherry tomatoes. This salad will need 80 g of cucumbers, 4 tomatoes, herbs and lettuce to taste, 50 g of sprouted buckwheat seeds and the same amount of sprouted wheat, 2 olives, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon squeeze.

So, cut the cucumbers and tomatoes into small pieces, add chopped greens and lettuce. Then add buckwheat and sprouted wheat, olives. Mix the mass, pour oil and lemon juice. The dish is ready.

Smoothie

As a great breakfast, you can use a protein shake from buckwheat sprouted. It is prepared quite quickly, but you need to apply it immediately after cooking. It is suitable for both adults and children. For this you need to put in a blender bowl 3 tbsp. of sprouted buckwheat seeds, 0.5 cup of cherries, you can use frozen or fresh, 1 tbsp. of cocoa powder, 1 cup of water. The amount of liquid is adjusted according to preference. All the elements are thoroughly whipped, resulting in a healthy and nutritious smoothie.

Sprouted buckwheat salad with avocado

With health, waistline and mood benefits, a quick salad is recommended. The result is a delicious, low-calorie and vitamin-enriched dish.

Ingredients: 100 g cucumbers, 100 g arugula, 4 tbsp. Buckwheat sprouts, 160 g avocado, 150 grapefruit, salt and pepper to taste.

The cooking process is as follows. First, you need to slice the cucumber into thin slices. Rucola to transfer to a bowl for the dish, cucumber slices to put around the greens, as well as in the center of the salad bowl. The next layer is sprouted grains, which should be evenly distributed. Next, spoon the pulp of a tropical avocado onto the buckwheat. Squeeze the juice of half a grapefruit, mix it with spices and dress the salad with this mixture, trying to coat all parts of the avocado with the dressing. This is to prevent the fruit from turning black.

Sprouted buckwheat salad with the addition of apple and beet

To improve your well-being, lift your mood and make your figure slim, you should prepare a delicious salad with avocado dressing. For the salad you will need 10 grams each of apples and beets, 2 tablespoons of sprouted buckwheat groats and herbs to taste. The sauce requires 80 g of avocado, 40 g of onions, 1.5 tsp of lemon juice and 1 tsp of olive oil.

First of all it is recommended to prepare the sauce. It is necessary to chop the onion in large pieces, and then put it together with the avocado in the bowl of a blender. Also here add a lemon squeeze and olive oil. The resulting puree put in the refrigerator.

Now you can get down to preparing the salad itself: finely chop the apple and put it in a salad bowl. Peeled beets grate on a coarse grater and add to the first ingredient. Next, in a salad bowl put sprouted buckwheat. Now mix the components, season with avocado sauce and decorate with fresh herbs. The salad is ready to be served!

Dessert

You can prepare a light, tasty and healthy dessert for breakfast, which will strengthen your health and give you activity for the day. You will need half a pomegranate, 0.5 cup of sprouted buckwheat grains, 1 tsp. honey and 100 ml. yogurt. The process of making is very simple: add honey and pomegranate to the sprouted groats, mix everything gently and season with natural yogurt. You can use sour cream instead of yogurt.

Interesting Facts about Buckwheat

1. Buckwheat is considered to be an environmentally friendly product. There is no need to worry about the quality and safety of such groats. The fact is that the cultivation of buckwheat does not require any chemicals and fertilizers.
2. It is believed that buckwheat eliminates insomnia. At least, the husks of this plant are used as a filler for pillows for insomnia.
3. Buckwheat is a low-yielding cereal. Only 5-10 quintals can be harvested from one hectare. By comparison, up to 50 quintals of rice can be harvested from the same plot of land.
4. This crop is part of the national Japanese cuisine. In that country, it is used to make special noodles called soba.
5. Do not mix buckwheat with sugar. This is due to the fact that the sweetener will neutralize all the useful qualities of buckwheat. So if you really want a sweet buckwheat porridge, you can use honey, but it is better to refuse sweet ingredients.
6. In terms of the presence of a large number of essential amino acids the protein part of buckwheat is close to animal protein. That is why it is a valid substitute for meat products. However, buckwheat in this case is absorbed much better.

Photo of sprouted buckwheat