Mostly associated with soba noodles and pancakes, buckwheat has much more to it than being just another grain. In fact, it isn’t a grain at all and is absolutely not related to wheat, even though the name suggests otherwise. Buckwheat is in reality a seed  from the Fagopyrum esculentum plant that is cultivated in parts of North America, Europe, and Asia.

The buckwheat seeds have in impressive amount of fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants, which incline many people towards considering buckwheat a superfood. The seeds of buckwheat are called groats and are really popular among people following a gluten-free diet. One cup of cooked groats contains approximately 155 calories, 33g of carbohydrate, 6g of protein, 5g of fiber, and 1g of fat. The buckwheat groats also contain vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, niacin, zinc, and folate.

Although the main component of buckwheat is carbohydrates, it measures low on the glycemic index (GI), which means buckwheat doesn’t cause blood sugar spikes that people with diabetes so carefully try to avoid. It’s actually the other way around. – D-chiro-inositol and fagopyritol, which are soluble carbs found in buckwheat, help decrease the rise of blood glucose level after meal.

Besides, buckwheat contains rutin, a nutrient and antioxidant that can reduce “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and stabilize blood pressure. That is extremely important for heart health and can protect against heart attack and stroke.

Buckwheat is also rich in fiber. It makes you feel full longer after meal, which is perfect for people who want to lose weight. And if you stick to a vegetarian diet, buckwheat is a good source of plant protein – about 14g per 100g of serving. Although some beans have a higher protein content, buckwheat provides more protein then the majority of whole grains.

Warm Vegetable Salad with Buckwheat

It might seem unusual to see buckwheat in a vegetable salad, but its combination with fresh vegetables and lemon juice makes this diabetic-friendly salad very tasty and healthy as well as light and simple to make.

Buckwheat Pancakes

Here are some diabetic-friendly gourmet buckwheat pancakes. Easy to make, healthy and delicious!

Buckwheat Porridge

Buckwheat is a very healthy and diabetic-friendly product. In this recipe, we are adding some lean pork to make the dish juicier and more flavorful.

Buckwheat with Mushrooms and Beans

An ordinary buckwheat becomes much more interesting with addition of mushrooms, beans and other ingredients. Try this diabetic-friendly recipe – you will be glad you did.

Warm Buckwheat Salad with Bacon, Brussels Sprouts, Leeks and Apples

This warm diabetic-friendly salad is quite an unusual one. The taste of its original combination of products will pleasantly surprise you, your family and your guests.

Zucchini Stuffed with Buckwheat and Mushrooms

Zucchinis are very tender and tasty and in a company of amaranth flour, buckwheat and mushrooms makes this dish very tasty and diabetic-friendly.

Buckwheat Noodles with Tofu and Eggs

Buckwheat noodle is more diabetic-friendly than pasta options. This dish gives you a wonderful dinner option if meat is not on the menu.