Sprouted buckwheat: benefits, harms and subtleties of use
Buckwheat is famous for the richness of its composition, however, some of the useful elements are lost during heat treatment. This can be avoided by using green buckwheat, which is usually sprouted. Sprouting allows not only to preserve the healing properties of cereals, but also to increase their content. In addition, all useful elements in sprouts are in an easily digestible form.
Compound
Sprouted buckwheat contains vitamins A, E, PP, K, H, B vitamins (B1, -2, -6, -9), ascorbic acid. The mineral composition is represented by iron, phosphorus, copper, iodine, rutin, as well as sulfur, magnesium, sodium. Buckwheat is rich in slow carbohydrates, which, when broken down, give strength and energy, as well as a long-lasting feeling of satiety.
Proteins in cereals are comparable in their properties to proteins of animal origin, but, having a vegetable nature, are much easier to digest. Proteins contain essential and non-essential amino acids. Fats are represented by unsaturated acids, in particular, the content of Omega 3 in cereals is high.
Sprouted cereals also contain fiber and organic acids. Unlike most cereals, buckwheat does not contain gluten. The latter is a vegetable protein, often provoking allergies. That is why buckwheat is considered hypoallergenic and one of the first (in boiled form) is included in the children's menu.Sprouted buckwheat contains many biologically active components, including flavonoids, enzymes, phospholipids, lignans. The latter act like phytoestrogens.
Buckwheat is one of those few foods that cannot be genetically modified, so it is really environmentally friendly. In addition, buckwheat is able to fight weeds and pests on its own, so it does not require numerous treatments with pesticides.
What is useful?
A large amount of slow carbohydrates and proteins in the composition with a low calorie content makes sprouted buckwheat a satisfying, but dietary product. Grains give a feeling of satiety, but do not raise blood sugar levels. The high protein content makes this product also beneficial for athletes. Moreover, it promotes muscle growth, increases strength and endurance.
A large amount of vitamins, primarily vitamin C, suggests the immune-strengthening effect of green buckwheat. It stimulates immune forces, which allows the body to resist infections, negative environmental factors, vitamin deficiency.
It is not surprising that sprouts are recommended to be included in the diet during the flu and cold season, as well as during rehabilitation after illnesses and operations.
Sprouted cereals have a pronounced antioxidant effect, which is manifested, for example, by the ability of its elements to bind radionuclides. The latter are molecules without an electron, which, settling on healthy cells, disrupt their functioning. Such changes in the work of cells cause the development of tumors.Thus, sprouted buckwheat helps prevent the development of tumors, both benign and malignant.
In addition, thanks to antioxidants, toxins are removed from the body, and the processes of age-related cell changes slow down. The result is reflected in the external condition of the skin - it becomes more toned, retains tone, elasticity. Phospholipids, which are also involved in lowering cholesterol and have anti-aging functions, also demonstrate an antioxidant effect.
Vitamins C and E, vitamin PP, as well as iron and rutin have a beneficial effect on the circulatory system. Sprouted groats help to increase the elasticity of the vascular walls and improve the permeability of capillaries. In addition, the product can reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood.
This avoids the formation of cholesterol plaques from the inside of the vessels, flabbiness of the latter, and circulatory disorders. Regular consumption of green buckwheat with sprouts can reduce the painful symptoms of varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, hemorrhoids. Iron in the composition of green sprouts allows you to maintain the desired hemoglobin levels, which means high-quality "delivery" of oxygen to tissues and organs.
Thanks to potassium and magnesium, as well as Omega 3 in the composition of the cereal, the heart muscle is strengthened, it becomes more resilient, and its cycle is normalized. A similar effect on the cardiovascular system is also due to the normalization of blood pressure in hypertension. Vitamin E is also necessary for faster wound healing and promotes strength. In combination with vitamin A, it is involved in the production of female sex hormones.For women, this means the constancy of the cycle, ensures the conception and bearing of a child, with a sufficient amount of hormones, the unpleasant symptoms of menopause are removed.
B vitamins and phosphorus ensure the proper functioning of the central nervous system, strengthening the nerves, improving the conduction of nerve impulses, relieving the symptoms of nervous tension, coping with insomnia. Green sprouts are recommended for chronic fatigue, emotional and intellectual overload. Flavonoids in the composition also help improve brain activity, they tone up and slow down the aging process of brain cells.
B vitamins are involved in almost all life processes, including regulating metabolic metabolism. Metabolic disorders entail various diseases, weight disorders. In addition, B vitamins are involved in the process of hematopoiesis. Sprouted buckwheat helps maintain visual acuity, has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract. The presence of organic acids in the composition, as well as fiber, helps to improve digestion when consuming green sprouts. The enzymes in the composition of the seedlings also serve this.
Contraindications
Food is digested faster and better, and thanks to fiber, intestinal motility improves, toxins, mucus, and toxins are removed from the body. Regular consumption of buckwheat sprouts helps reduce sugar cravings and also maintains a healthy balance of intestinal microflora. Organic acids also regulate the acid-base balance in the body.
Thanks to the lignans in the sprouts, the latter show anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects. Truly green buckwheat can be considered a natural antibiotic with a wide scope.The product also has a positive effect on the reproductive system, thyroid gland, liver, kidneys. Since ancient times, with the help of this cereal, diabetes, infertility were treated, and polyps were removed.
With individual intolerance to cereals, sprouted buckwheat should not be eaten. The product can also cause harm with increased blood clotting, because due to the routine in the composition it increases its viscosity. In this regard, those who are undergoing treatment with anticoagulants will also have to abandon the use of germinated grains.
Groats can cause increased gas formation, therefore, with flatulence, it is better not to eat green cereals. Despite the beneficial effect of the latter on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, sprouts are undesirable in inflammatory processes. Exacerbations of gastritis, ulcers, Crohn's disease, as well as pancreatitis, colic - all this should be a contraindication to the consumption of sprouted buckwheat. It is important to observe moderation when consuming a sprouted product. With a significant excess of the recommended dosage, a feeling of bloating, abdominal pain, and stool disorder may occur.
Finally, it is important to choose and prepare the seedlings correctly. It is unacceptable to use ordinary (brown) cereals. When soaked, it will only become moldy, Naturally, it cannot be eaten. It is important that green buckwheat has a suitable shelf life. The maximum duration of germination should not exceed 7 days. It is believed that the most useful sprouts are two-day-old.
calories
Sprouted grains contain 310 kcal per 100 g. BJU is distributed as follows - 12.6 / 3.2 / 62. In addition, grains include water and dietary fiber.Despite the rather high calorie content of sprouted cereals (when boiled, it decreases by almost 2.5 times), it will not cause extra pounds. The fact is that slow carbohydrates, splitting, provide the body with energy and strength. The level of sugar in the blood rises slightly, and the increase is partially offset by the presence of fiber. Dietary fiber slows down the absorption of sugar from the intestines.
As a result, sugar rises slowly and smoothly, which gives a long-lasting feeling of satiety. The ability of sprouted grains to normalize digestion contributes to the activation of metabolic and lipid metabolism. The consumption of sprouts contributes to weight loss, provides the body with proteins and amino acids, which are necessary for the construction of muscles, enzymes, and cells. Sprouted buckwheat, rich in vitamins and microelements, helps to avoid the deficiency of these elements in the body, which is a fairly common occurrence when dieting.
How to use correctly?
There are 2 schemes for using sprouted buckwheat - as an independent product or in combination with others, as part of combined dishes. Sprouted grains are often added to vegetable salads. Just use your favorite vegetables, natural yogurt dressing, or a mixture of lemon juice and vegetable oil, and then sprinkle buckwheat seeds on your salad for a healthy and nutritious snack.
Green sprouts can also be added to various cocktails, smoothies. Use as a breakfast, combining with fruits, nuts, dairy products. You can cook healthy pizza on sprouts by mixing grains crushed with a blender with nuts or seeds, tomato or minced meat.This will be the base of the pizza, on which you can lay out pieces of meat, vegetables, mushrooms, cheese and herbs.
If the taste of the sprouts seems unusual, you can boil them. The principle of their preparation is not much different from that for obtaining classic buckwheat porridge. The only difference is that the sprouted cereals should be cooked for 7-10 minutes, then covered with a lid, and on top with a warm towel and left to steam for a quarter of an hour. An important point - if you are preparing sweets based on green buckwheat (for example, you want to “hide” it in raw food desserts, healthy sweets), you should not combine it with refined sugar. Such a tandem will destroy all the benefits of seedlings.
If necessary, sweeten the dish, it is more correct to take honey or dried fruits.
The daily dose for an adult in the absence of contraindications is 70 g, and you can eat this amount in its pure form or add sprouts to other products. However, it is impossible to immediately eat sprouts in such quantities. You need to start with 1 teaspoon per day, bringing the daily dosage to 70 g in 2 months. The advice of doctors also comes down to the fact that the best time to consume sprouts is in the morning and in the first half of the day. Due to the high biological activity of grains, it is better not to take them in the second part of the day, especially in the evening.
Sprouted buckwheat should be stored for no more than 5 days, using a refrigerator for this. The best option is to cook new sprouts every day or every other day, so you will always feast on fresh and most useful sprouts. Sprouted buckwheat grains can be included in the menu of almost any of the fasting days, for example, in a green or kefir diet.As reviews show, in 2-3 days of such nutrition, it is possible to lose up to 3-4 kg, cleanse the body, and improve the functioning of the stomach.
For information about the useful properties of sprouted buckwheat, see the following video.