Get Your Buck On!

....I'm referring to the "Buck" in Buckwheat

Ever tried it?

Buckwheat is a nutrition power house and.... naturally gluten free. Other fun fact - it's not a grain. It's actually related to the rhubarb and sorrel plants, and is the seed harvest from a flowering plant.

Here's some more fun facts about this delicious seed.

1. It is Gut Friendly - as a rich source of antioxidants it is a "pre-biotic". In other words, it's feeds the healthy bacteria in our gut so they can do their job and create health digestive system and build up the immune system.

2. It is FULL of fibre. It is considered a resistant fibre, and many components of it are insoluble. Resistant fibre ferments in the large intestine creating beneficial gut flora and microbiomes ( there's the gut thing again). Also, because it is so full of fibre, it will slow glucose absorption and helps with blood glucose stabilization.

3. Can help lower cholesterol - it is known that high cholesterol can lead to strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases, but the soluble fibre in buckwheat, along with a lower fat diet and exercise can help with reducing cholesterol levels. One serving of boiled kernels has 6 percent or more of the daily requirement of fibre.

4. Can help with weight loss - The nutrition make up of buckwheat has substantial amounts of copper, B Vitamins (niacin, thiamine, folate and choline). Copper is essential for production of red blood cells, and immune function. B Vitamins helps us stay energized, promotes good circulation, bone health, motor and neurological functioning and reduces inflammation. As mentioned before, it is a resistant fibre which does not cause spikes in blood sugar, and moves slowly through the digestive system so leaves you satiated for a longer period.

5. If you wanna switch from your usual morning cereal - try this easy hot cereal recipe

- 1 Cup of organic, raw buckwheat groats

- 3 Cups of water

- Sweetener - like pure maple syrup or honey

- Vanilla extract, cinnamon or whatever you're feeling to taste

* boil the water and groats to a simmer, and let cook for 45 mins - Enjoy!!!