Buckwheat Makes Dreams Come True.

So first things first, despite its deceptive name, buckwheat is not a cereal. You would think something with the word “wheat” in its name is going to somehow be related to wheat, right? It is commonly used as a flour and in products such as pasta and pancakes, adding to misconception that buckwheat is a grain. But, buckwheat is actually a fruit seed related to rhubarb, which is great news as it means it is gluten free.

That is not the only good thing about this amazing pseudo-grain. It is an excellent source of protein, needed for cell repair and maintenance, and host of other trace minerals and vitamins including magnesium and B vitamins. It contains high levels of resistance fibre which is associated with improved blood sugar control (read: controlling hanger) and weight loss, as it aides in reducing food cravings and keeping us feeling full. However, probably the best thing this little seed disguised as a grain contains is rutin.

Rutin is a type of bioflavonoid that extends the action of vitamin C. Without getting too science-nerdy with terms like bioflavonoid and phytonutrients, rutin does great things for the body by strengthening small blood vessels. This is wonderful news for the cardiovascular system and helps prevent horrible things like bruising easily, varicose veins and haemorrhoids (which pregnant women are particularly susceptible to – so eat up ladies). By lowering the production of histamine, it can also improve airborne allergies and food intolerances.

Not only good for you on the inside, rutin can also do wonders for you on the outside. Rutin is basically an anti-aging treatment, only a lot cheaper and less invasive than botox.  Free radical damage caused by mental, physical or environmental stresses weakens collagen, causing premature aging and wrinkling in the skin. Rutin reduces this damage by aiding in the absorption and utilisation of vitamin C, critical to keeping collagen healthy. So enhance your skin care routine with a bowl of buckwheat. 

Now that we have plenty of health and beauty reasons to eat buckwheat, it’s probably worth mentioning that it actually tastes good too! If you grew up eating coco-pops; a chocolate coated crispy rice puff that kids adored, then The Wild's Crumble and Granola is coco-pops healthy little sister! By activating (soaking and dehydrating) buckwheat The Wild duo have created the healthiest version of coco-pops available on the market. You're welcome lovers.

 Words by Larissa West & Melisa Alizzi for The Wild.