Calorie content of different types of buckwheat: benefits and harm to the body, use for weight loss, recipes

Buckwheat is the most commonly used cereal due to its beneficial properties and high nutritional value. The last factor is directly related to calorie content, which varies depending on the method of preparation of the dish. Despite the fact that this figure is high, this product is in demand in weight loss diets. Thanks to slow carbohydrates and easily digestible proteins, buckwheat quickly and for a long time fills you up and energizes you.

Along with this, the body heals. Due to its great benefits and minimum contraindications, cereal is recommended for consumption by people of any age and condition.

Composition of buckwheat

Most often, buckwheat kernels are used for food - unsteamed and without husks, whole buckwheat grains of a rich brown color. This is the richest product in biochemical composition. It contains:

• starch;
• saturated and unsaturated fatty acids;
• mono- and disaccharides;
• vitamins: groups B, E, A, PP;
• micro- and macroelements: iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, sulfur, silicon, iodine, zinc;
• organic acids: oxalic, citric, malic;
• arginine, lysine;
• routine;
• choline;
• folic and nicotinic acid;
• cellulose.

Interesting Facts

The regions of Nepal and India are considered to be the birthplace of the cereal, where buckwheat has been eaten for more than four thousand years. As for Russia, the plant came here later and, as you can easily guess from the name, Greece became the source country.

Buckwheat itself is buckwheat kernels obtained by separating the central part from the shells of the fruit. Depending on the quality of the source and the method of extraction, buckwheat is distinguished into three grades, where the first grade is considered the most “clean” and healthy.

Calories and nutritional value

Buckwheat porridge is ideal for athletes and people watching their figure. Despite its nutritional value, it does not contribute to weight gain. It is a valuable source of vitamins and minerals.

Per 100 grams of dry grain there are 305 kcal with the following distribution of BJU: proteins - 14 g, fats - 4 g, carbohydrates - 60 g.

However, such a high indicator does not interfere with weight loss, since in the finished state the cereal is lower in calories. It’s easy to calculate how many calories are in one serving of buckwheat porridge yourself:

1. Take the ratio of kernels and water 1:2 (for example, 100 g per 200 ml).
2. After cooking, it swells, resulting in 300 g, while the total calorie content remains unchanged - 305 kcal.
3. Divide this value by 3, so the energy value of 100 g is no more than 102 kcal.

The composition contains a predominance of carbohydrates, but they are complex and have a low glycemic index. Therefore, they are not forbidden to use without restrictions. That is why the product is indicated for mono-diets and fasting days.

Calorie content and nutritional value of all types of buckwheat per 100 g serving:

Application in cosmetology

Buckwheat, along with improving the health of the body, has a beneficial effect on the skin (nourishes, rejuvenates, cleanses, normalizes cellular metabolism). Due to the content of vitamins, phytohormones, organic acids and fats, the cereal is actively used in professional cosmetics, as well as for the preparation of homemade masks, creams and scrubs. Homemade mixtures with buckwheat are ideal for caring for combination, normal and sensitive skin.

Cereal based home remedies:

1. 
   Nourishing mask for dry and normal skin. Ingredients: 30-60 grams of buckwheat flour, 20 milliliters of olive oil. The mask is applied to previously cleansed, damp skin of the face, neck and décolleté for 20-30 minutes. After completing the procedure, the mixture is washed off with warm water.

2. Toning mask for oily and combination skin. Method of preparation: mix grated carrots (1 piece), 30 grams of buckwheat flour, 2 milliliters of lemon juice. Apply the paste mixture to the dermis for 20 minutes, rinse.

With regular use of the composition (three times a week), the complexion improves, the capillaries are strengthened, and the oily sheen disappears.

1. Film mask for problematic and sensitive skin. To prepare the product you will need 100 milliliters of chamomile infusion. 15 grams of edible gelatin and 20 grams of buckwheat flour are dissolved in it. The prepared mixture is heated to 70 degrees and then cooled. After this, add 15 milliliters of fresh aloe juice (or cucumber) to the mask. Leave the mixture on your face for 20 minutes and then carefully remove it with your hands. A film mask is used to cleanse and narrow pores, reduce acne, activate blood circulation, and deeply moisturize the dermis. It is suitable for all skin types.
2. Mask against rosacea. Active ingredients: buckwheat flour (15 grams), one chicken yolk, honey (5 milliliters). The ingredients are thoroughly mixed and applied to the dermis in a thin layer. After 15 minutes, the mixture is washed off. The mask has a capillary-protective, anti-inflammatory and strengthening effect on the skin.
3. Compresses for eyes against swelling. Buckwheat is pre-crushed and distributed into two gauze bags. Before use, immerse them in hot water for 4 minutes (to steam), then cool. After this, apply compresses to your eyelids for 15 minutes.

This mask is used to eliminate puffiness under the eyes, smooth out fine wrinkles, and deeply nourish the dermis.

1. Body Scrub. Buckwheat flour (15 grams), coffee grounds (15 grams), mint or chamomile infusion (100 milliliters) are combined and stirred thoroughly. The mixture is applied to a washed body, intensively massaging problem areas.

The scrub perfectly removes dead skin cells of the epidermis, cleanses and tones the skin, and reduces the severity of cellulite.

1. Nourishing hair mask. To create the mixture, prepare: 30 grams of buckwheat flour, 100 milliliters of warm homemade milk, 1 egg, 10 milliliters of honey. The composition is mixed and applied to clean hair for 30-40 minutes. After the specified time, wash off the mask with hot water and shampoo. The product nourishes and strengthens thin and unruly hair.

To enhance the cosmetic effect, after completing the procedures, a nourishing cream is applied to the skin.

Beneficial features

Buckwheat can be a complete substitute for meat, which is explained by its nutritional capabilities. Thanks to its rich chemical composition, it is able to saturate the human body with essential vitamins and microelements. It is recommended to include it in your daily diet to avoid many health problems.

Useful properties of buckwheat:

• Stabilizes blood pressure and hematopoiesis.
• Positively affects the musculoskeletal component.
• Activates the central nervous system and enhances brain activity.
• Serves as protection against malignant neoplasms.
• Prevents the development of cardiovascular diseases, strengthens vascular walls.
• Normalizes digestion: improves intestinal motility, relieves constipation.
• Increases immunity.
• Reduces “bad” cholesterol and hemoglobin levels in the blood.
• Cleanses away impurities and toxins.
• Uplifts your mood and energizes you.
• Helps eliminate swelling and inflammation due to arthrosis, arthritis and rheumatism.

Buckwheat dishes are recommended for constant consumption by children, which contributes to the normal development of the growing body. At the same time, mental abilities improve: concentration and memory. People involved in sports need such a nutritional supplement to gain muscle mass. This is due to the saturation of buckwheat with carbohydrates, which during the digestion process release a large supply of energy. Against this background, training is more productive.

For men, systematic consumption of buckwheat dishes will help in case of problems with potency and prevent inflammatory processes in the prostate gland.

Buckwheat is no less useful for women, as it improves appearance: it has a positive effect on the skin, structure of hair and nails. As a result, acne and irritation on the face disappear, and the skin becomes more elastic. Thanks to the cereal, hormonal levels return to normal, which is especially important during the onset of menopause and shortly before.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is recommended to consume buckwheat regularly, as it is a valuable supplier of vital substances for both mother and child. Folic acid in its composition helps the proper development of the baby's central nervous system and prevents premature birth.

The high iron content makes cereal an indispensable remedy for the prevention of anemia. Its other components have a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels: they prevent varicose veins, control blood pressure, and protect against the development of atherosclerosis. It is impossible to gain weight on such dishes.

When breastfeeding, a woman should especially monitor her diet so as not to harm the baby. Eating buckwheat allows you to avoid many digestive problems in a newborn: bloating, colic and allergies.

When losing weight

Buckwheat is considered a dietary but nutritious product. Therefore, it is easy to lose weight on it, without the constant hunger inherent in many diets. Buckwheat dishes fill you up well and for a long time, which eliminates unnecessary snacks during the day. Despite the meager diet during such weight loss, the body does not experience much stress. This is due to the balanced and rich chemical composition of the cereal.

Intensive fat burning occurs due to:

• improving bowel function;
• enhancing metabolism;
• removal of excess fluid from the body;
• cleansing of waste and toxins.

It is enough to replace 1-2 meals a day in your usual menu with dietary buckwheat dishes, due to which you can lose up to 2 kg of excess weight in 7 days.

Application in medicine

Considering that buckwheat contains a wide range of useful substances, it is successfully used in folk medicine. To prepare medicinal potions, whole, unroasted cereal grains (green), as well as leaves and shoots of buckwheat, are used.

Traditional recipes:

1. 
   A mixture for stagnation of bile, high sugar, pancreatitis, poisoning. To prepare the composition you will need 15 grams of buckwheat flour and 250 milliliters of low-fat kefir. The first ingredient is obtained by grinding cereals in a coffee grinder, and the second is obtained by fermenting homemade milk. Both products are combined and left in the container overnight. The resulting mixture is eaten for breakfast. The duration of choleretic therapy is 1 month. After 30 days the course is repeated.

2. A remedy for anemia, chronic fatigue, weakness. Before creating the potion, the cereal is washed and then dried in a frying pan. After this, the kernel is ground in a coffee grinder. Buckwheat flour is taken 30 grams 4 times a day, in between meals.

To enhance the therapeutic effect, the powder is washed down with warm milk. Use the product for at least 30 days (until the condition improves). If necessary, after a month's break the course is repeated.

1. Buckwheat jelly to strengthen the cardiovascular system and prevent atherosclerosis. The composition of the healing product includes 45-50 grams of cereal (pre-crushed in a coffee grinder) and 250 milliliters of water. Combine these ingredients and mix thoroughly. After this, the mixture is poured in a thin stream into a liter of boiling water. The jelly is simmered over low heat for 10 minutes. Take buckwheat mixture 3 times a day, 200 milliliters.
2. Healing ointment for abscesses, boils, and difficult-to-heal wounds. Crushed buckwheat (45 grams) is combined with a decoction of celandine (50 milliliters). The healing mixture is applied to the affected area three times a day for 10 minutes.
3. Buckwheat sprouts for healing the body. The grain is rinsed with clean water and then placed on damp gauze. The container with the raw materials is placed on the windowsill. Considering that green buckwheat secretes a lot of mucus, the fabric and cereal are washed daily with water. With proper care, seedlings appear on the 2nd day. For medicinal purposes, slightly “hatched” grain (1-4 millimeters) is used [8].

Remember, the length of the sprouts should not exceed 1 centimeter.

Indications for use: anemia, obesity, vitamin deficiency, inflammation of the gallbladder, arthritis, pathologies of the organs of vision, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, varicose veins [9].

1. Powder for babies. The crushed buckwheat kernels are sifted through a fine sieve. The resulting powder is used for the prevention and treatment of diaper rash in children (in the absence of lycopodium).

How to use

Eating buckwheat for weight loss will not bring the desired result if you combine it with certain foods:

• fat meat;
• sugar;
• smoked meats;
• sauces, mayonnaise;
• oil in large quantities.

It is advisable to eat any buckwheat dishes in the first half of the day. It is not forbidden to eat them in the evening, but no later than 18:00. You cannot eat buckwheat at night, as the product takes 1.5-2 hours to digest, which will not allow the digestive system to fully rest.

For fasting days, it is recommended not to cook the cereal, but to soak it. Then it retains more vitamins and microelements. To do this, you will need 200 ml of boiling water for 1 glass: steam it in a thermos in the evening and leave it overnight. In the morning, drain off the remaining liquid. There is no need to add salt or add anything. Divide the resulting dish into 5-6 servings and eat throughout the day.

If the bland taste of the porridge is unbearable, then you can add a little chopped herbs, kelp (seaweed) or a spoonful of honey.

With daily mental stress, such a poor diet can provoke increased cravings for sweets. Then you should mix porridge with dried fruits for breakfast, and drink a glass of honey water on an empty stomach every morning.

You can’t eat buckwheat alone for a long time, maximum 5–7 days. Otherwise, the body begins to lack minerals and other nutritional components. Therefore, they additionally eat fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, sea fish, white meat and drink a lot. The result of losing weight in this way depends not only on the amount eaten, but also on optimal physical activity.

Buckwheat diet

The buckwheat diet is indicated not only for weight adjustment, but also in case of certain health problems. Cereals can be eaten in any form: boiled, steamed, soaked in kefir, baked. The menu for the day is varied, but within acceptable limits regarding the food set.

The advantage of such a diet is that buckwheat is allowed to be eaten in unlimited, but reasonable quantities. Because of this, those losing weight do not experience discomfort throughout the entire restrictive period. There is no need to count calories every day. In a week you can lose 7-8 kilograms while maintaining muscle mass.

The essence of the buckwheat diet:

• Eat 4-5 times in small portions. To avoid overeating, it is recommended to replace your usual plates with smaller ones, with a volume of 200–250 g.
• Drink up to 2 liters of water per day.
• Exclude from the diet foods and unhealthy drinks that are not included in the menu: store-bought juices, sweet soda, alcohol.
• Minimize salt intake.
• Stop eating 3 hours before bedtime.

Additional drinks: kefir (1% fat), still mineral water, green tea and herbal infusions. If you have an increased craving for sweets, then drink honey water: 1 tsp per glass. Suitable snacks include: green apples, oranges, grapefruit. You can eat no more than one fruit per day.

For the first 2–3 days, the basic dish is raw buckwheat porridge, then it is allowed to include various dietary recipes from cereals. Usually this regime is followed for a week, but if you are comfortable, it can be longer.

Options for light short-term buckwheat diets:

• Kefir. A fermented milk product is added to the classic version at the rate of 1 liter per day. They wash it down with porridge or put it directly into it.
• With fruits and vegetables . Any fruit except grapes, bananas, dates is mixed or eaten whole. Additionally include fresh or steamed non-starchy vegetables.
• Strengthening . The most varied nutritional option, where in addition to buckwheat it is acceptable to eat something else: cottage cheese for breakfast, veal and vegetable salad for lunch. Portions on this diet are larger, but the number of meals is reduced to 3.

If you eat only buckwheat, without salt and oil, then excess weight will go away very quickly. However, this is an emergency measure that will not bring health benefits.