What is good about green buckwheat and how to cook it correctly

Supporters of a healthy lifestyle and natural nutrition are well acquainted with green buckwheat. It contains a lot of useful elements and has healing properties. When consuming the product, the body is not only saturated with vitamins and minerals, but is cleansed of toxins and harmful substances.

Cooking green buckwheat does not always require cooking. The grains are sprouted and consumed as a side dish or added to dishes.

What type of buckwheat is this?

Buckwheat turns brown as a result of heat treatment. Green buckwheat It is not steamed and retains all its beneficial properties.

Features of green buckwheat

The difference between green grains and regular ones:

1. Processing method. Buckwheat turns brown as a result of heat treatment. Green is not processed and contains 25-30% more vitamins and microelements, therefore it is more useful.
2. The taste of sprouted grains is more tender and tastier.
3. The use of green cereals is wider. Grain sprouts are consumed as a side dish and added to dishes. Baking is made from flour. Regular brown buckwheat is eaten only boiled.
4. Without heat treatment, the green product is at risk of developing harmful microbes. Thanks to steaming, brown cereals are protected from pathogenic microorganisms.

Composition and properties

Green buckwheat does not contain fat-soluble vitamins. It contains water-soluble - group B.

Per 100 g:

• B1 - 0.1 mg;
• B2 - 0.4 mg;
• B3 (PP) - 7.0 mg;
• B5 - 1.2 mg;
• B6 - 0.2 mg;
• B9 - 30.0 mcg.

The mineral composition is represented by the following macro- and microelements:

• calcium - 18 mg;
• iron - 2.2 mg;
• magnesium - 231 mg;
• phosphorus - 347 mg;
• potassium - 460 mg;
• sodium - 1 mg;
• zinc - 2.4 mg;
• copper - 1.1 mg;
• manganese - 1.3 mg;
• selenium - 8.3 mcg.

Green buckwheat contains 5 times more useful minerals than other cereals, and 2 times more fiber.

There is no complex protein in the composition, hence the unique composition of amino acids. Therefore, sprouted grains are better absorbed by the body.

B vitamins normalize blood sugar - buckwheat is considered a product for diabetics. Vitamins B3, B6 and tryptophans are involved in the synthesis of the hormone serotonin, which fights depression.

Copper in green buckwheat prevents inflammatory diseases, has a hemostatic and calming effect.

Magnesium is involved in the functioning of the digestive tract and cleansing the body of waste and toxins.

The beneficial properties of green cereals are determined by the presence of:

1. Flavonoids. This is rutin, askorutin. The main functions are reducing the level of bad cholesterol and strengthening blood vessels.
2. Lignans. These are plant hormones - phytoestrogens. Products containing lignans have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant effects.
3. Chiroinositols contained in carbohydrates. They lower glucose levels and normalize blood pressure.

Calorie content and BZHU

100 g of green buckwheat contains:

• proteins - 13.3 g;
• fat - 3.40 g;
• carbohydrates - 71.5 g;
• water - 9.75 g;
• calories - 343 kcal, which is 14.9% of the norm per day.

Benefits for the body

The unique proteins, healthy vegetable fats and minerals that green buckwheat is rich in are well absorbed by the body. There is no feeling of heaviness in the stomach.

Green buckwheat contains natural antioxidants that slow down the aging process and strengthen the immune system. Microelements participate in the functioning of the circulatory system and cleanse the blood.

Consumption of the product has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive tract. The intestinal microflora is normalized, the functioning of the entire digestive system improves.

Green buckwheat in the diet stimulates metabolism, and the body’s protective functions also increase.

How to use

Due to its unique beneficial properties, green cereals are used in various fields.

In cooking

Flour is made from green buckwheat. It does not contain gluten - the gluten necessary for kneading dough, so it is washed, dried, ground in a coffee grinder and mixed with wheat flour. Used in making pancakes, bread and other baked goods.

Buckwheat porridge made from green buckwheat is more delicate in taste and texture.

In folk medicine

Green buckwheat is used for:

• cleansing the body;
• normalization of blood sugar;
• treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
• normalization of blood composition;
• treatment of inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity;
• wound treatment

For weight loss

Nutritionists advise consuming the product in the fight against excess weight.

The substances that make up green buckwheat rid the body of excess fat and at the same time protect it from stress.

Diets based on green buckwheat bring positive results: in two weeks they lose from 5 to 10 kg. However, it all depends on the initial weight and the severity of the diet.

A strict diet includes only sprouted grains and drinking water. Soft menu - kefir, vegetables, fruits, herbs, cottage cheese.

When consuming green sprouted grains, the body not only loses excess weight, but is also cleansed of toxins.

How to cook green buckwheat correctly

Before cooking, the grains are sorted and debris is sifted out. Wash in several waters until the liquid becomes clear. Pour the buckwheat into a saucepan and add water. It should cover the cereal 2-3 cm higher. Bring to a boil and cook the buckwheat over low heat for 15 minutes. Add salt to taste.

Recipes

There are two options for preparing green buckwheat porridge.

First way:

1. Fill with water and leave overnight.
2. Wash and place in boiling water.
3. After boiling, remove the foam and remove the pan from the stove.
4. Close the lid and leave for 15-20 minutes. The porridge is infused.

Second way:

1. The cereal is washed and placed in a thermos. Pour boiling water over, leaving room for the swollen mass.
2. Cover with a lid and leave for several hours.

This option is convenient to use if you take a thermos with you to work. By lunchtime the grains are ready to eat.

Healthy eating enthusiasts and cooking enthusiasts have come up with many recipes using green grains.

Dessert of green buckwheat and berries

Ingredients:

• 0.5 tbsp. green cereals;
• 1 tbsp. water;
• 120 g strawberries;
• one medium-sized apple;
• a packet of vanillin;
• 1 tsp. honey;
• 1 tsp. muesli;
• nuts as desired.

Cooking steps:

1. Soak the cereal overnight.
2. In the morning, drain the liquid and wash the sprouts.
3. Beat strawberries, peeled apple, honey, vanillin in a blender.
4. Mix the sprouts with the fruit mixture and place in a glass for dessert.
5. Top with nuts or muesli. Decorate with berries.

Salad with sprouted buckwheat and tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 250 g green buckwheat;
• 3 tomatoes;
• one beet;
• greens, soy sauce, spices, salt to taste.

Cooking steps:

1. Buckwheat is soaked overnight.
2. In the morning, drain the water and rinse.
3. Boil the beets.
4. Tomatoes and beets are cut into cubes.
5. Mix vegetables with sprouts.
6. Add herbs and spices to taste.
7. Season with soy sauce.

How to germinate it

Sprouted green buckwheat is considered the most useful and valuable.

Germination stages:

1. The cereal is filled with water. Any debris that floats to the surface is removed. Pour the mixture into a colander and rinse under cold water.
2. Place it back into the bowl, and place gauze in one layer at the bottom of the colander. Pour in the buckwheat and cover with a double layer of gauze.
3. Wet the contents of the colander under running water and allow excess water to drain.
4. Leave for 6-7 hours at room temperature - +20...25°C.
5. When the specified time has passed, moisten it again and leave for 5-6 hours.
6. Transfer the buckwheat to a deep container and rinse. Get rid of white plaque and unpleasant odor.
7. The sprouted grains are placed in a plastic container and kept in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days.

With this duration of germination, the sprouts are small. To get larger ones, increase the time to 24 hours. Every 6-7 hours, change the water and wash the grains.

How to choose high-quality green buckwheat

When purchasing products, many are guided by beautiful packaging and advertised manufacturer. Sometimes the content is not true. It looks attractive in the picture, but in reality it turns out to be a low-quality product.

When buying green buckwheat The following parameters matter:

1. Package. The cellophane bag reliably protects the product from excess moisture and dampness without damage. The contents are clearly visible in the transparent bag.In beautiful cardboard boxes the product is not visible to the buyer.
2. Appearance. High-quality buckwheat has grains of the same size and color. There is practically no debris in the bag.
3. Date of manufacture and expiration date. If storage conditions are met, the green product can be stored for a year. After opening the package, the cereal is poured into a tin can and tightly closed with a lid. Place in a cool, dark place.
4. Taste and smell. At home, after opening the package, they smell the cereal and taste 1-2 grains. High-quality buckwheat does not smell moldy, damp or musty. If the smell or taste is unpleasant, the product can be safely returned to the store.

Advantages and disadvantages

Benefits of green buckwheat:

• rich vitamin and mineral composition;
• easy digestibility;
• low calorie content;
• delicate taste and texture;
• easy to prepare.

Flaws:

• unprocessed product is at risk of contamination by harmful bacteria;
• expensive price.

Contraindications and possible harm

Green buckwheat is contraindicated in case of increased blood clotting, as it contains rutin. Frequent use causes increased gas formation, and in childhood - constipation.

Reviews

More and more information is emerging about the benefits of green buckwheat. After trying the product once, they recommend it to others.

Svetlana, Moscow, 27 years old: «After the birth of the child, I could not regain my previous weight for a long time - 52 kg. While I was feeding the baby, I didn’t go on a diet. But I read a lot on this topic. When the child grew up, I tried to lose weight on green buckwheat and kefir. I didn’t experience much stress because I can eat both fruits and vegetables. But the effect was wonderful for me. I lost 5 kg in two weeks.”

Maria, Rostov-on-Don, 46 years old: “I learned about green buckwheat from the Internet. I had never heard anything about her before.I decided to just introduce it into my diet. The family was supportive. Eating sprouted grains was unusual. Now we cook the porridge and add the sprouts to salads. We’re not overweight, but it’s easier on the body.”

Dmitry, s. Shumikha, 20 years old: “I learned about green buckwheat from a coach. Sometimes you need to keep your weight down before a competition. It's convenient that you don't have to cook it. I cook in a thermos. Nutritious and delicious. Thanks to the nutritionists."

Conclusion

Green buckwheat is a unique dietary product. It saturates the body with nutrients, cleanses of toxins and waste, prevents diseases, and is easy to prepare. It is consumed as a main side dish and used as an addition to other dishes.

Widely used in cooking and folk medicine. Nutritionists recommend the product for weight loss - the body will not experience stress.