The extract of buckwheat (also known as beech wheat) is packed with beauty nutrients and can be enjoyed in PHYTO5’s Water element Day Cream, Night Cream, Shampoo and the Swiss line Purifying Cleansing Gel. Buckwheat has nothing to do with wheat at all. It’s neither grass nor grain. Naturally gluten-free, this beauty seed is a relative of sorrel, knotweed and the rhubarb plant and produces starchy seeds.
Buckwheat is actually an alkaline fruit seed inheriting its name from 1) its triangular seeds which resemble the much larger seeds of the beech nut tree; and 2) the fact that the seeds can be ground and used similarly to how we use normally use wheat in cooking and baking. When toasted, buckwheat seeds are known as kasha.
Buckwheat is an ancient pseudocereal and a source of micro- and macronutrients. A native of central Asia and originally cultivated in China from the tenth to thirteenth centuries, it was subsequently introduced into Europe by the crusaders. A powerhouse of nutrients, it is one of the healthiest foods you can consume internally or topically on the skin or hair.
Buckwheat Benefits for Skin and Hair
Buckwheat greens grown from the sproutable seeds become a plentiful source of chlorophyll, enzymes and vitamins. Buckwheat seeds, being high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, support skin's elasticity.
The flavonoids* in buckwheat extend the action of vitamin C and act as antioxidants. This is one of the reasons why buckwheat extract is an important anti-aging ingredient in skincare.
Buckwheat’s main claim to fame is its rutin or vitamin P content. Rutin is a natural anti-inflammatory bioflavanoid which protects against skin damage from the sun and environment. Rutin also blocks free radicals which, in turn, slows the effects of aging such as wrinkles while promoting longevity.
Rutin supports blood circulation so important for skin’s healthy youthful glow and strengthens and repairs small capillaries in the skin. Rutin’s high magnesium content also works alongside this vitamin to relax blood vessels and promote circulation and skin’s glow. This factor also helps to improve circulation in cold hands and feet.
Vitamin B present in buckwheat is very beneficial for skin, nails and hair. Vitamin B helps reduce skin damage caused by sun and environmental factors.
Buckwheat’s zinc and magnesium content is very important for skin and hair condition as well as for healthy sleep.
Buckwheat extract can be used with great benefit for externally for skin eruptions, inflammations and burns.
Buckwheat is 75% complex carbohydrates, a feature that is exceptional for proper growth of hair. Rich in vitamin A, B-complex vitamins and zinc, the extract of buckwheat is highly conducive for hair growth. Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine is vital for hair growth and health.
Buckwheat as Super Nutritious Food
The food industry has generally neglected or underutilized many plant proteins, most especially buckwheat protein, but buckwheat’s popularity has recently grown as a low calorie yet extremely nutrient-rich healthy food.
Buckwheat is cultivated and adapted in diverse ecological zones all over the world. Buckwheat is broadly cultivated in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Primarily cultivated in China, Russia, France, Ukraine, Poland, the U. S. and Kazakhstan, the superfood seed is increasingly used by people in the U.S., Canada and Europe and is mostly consumed in noodles, pancakes and muffins.
Buckwheat groats contain beneficial proteins and dietary fiber. Though generally of outstanding quality, the protein quality of buckwheat seeds varies between the tartary and common buckwheat types but both are gluten-free and contain a considerable amount of indispensable amino acids, in particular, lysine. Lysine is an important anti-age amino acid.
Buckwheat also contains vitamin E, riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (B5), thiamine (B1), B6 and folate all of which are important for everyone and especially people with liver disorders.
Buckwheat protein has a tremendous potential in the development of peptide-based functional foods aimed at disease prevention and healing effects for chronic diseases such as anti-oxidative, cardioprotective, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, anti-hypertension, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, neuro-protective, and cholesterol-lowering, and cognition-improving activities.
Buckwheat is also used with great success in the gluten-free diet for people with celiac disease and it also used in the alleviation of a number of other common diseases.
Buckwheat has been found to have a prebiotic and antioxidant, and thus, age-mitigating activity.
Buckwheat’s saturated fat content combined with high protein and fiber content aids in appetite suppression and weight loss. The pseudocereal’s very high quality proteins and all eight amino acids help to lower cholesterol; its amino acid composition is superior to all cereals.
Buckwheat’s mildly mucilagenic properties make it easy to digest while it soothes the digestive tract.
Buckwheat consumption may lower the risk of fatal stroke and heart attack as it helps balance blood pressure, circulation and vascular integrity.
A certain type of antioxidant in buckwheat called lignans assist post-menopausal women by helping to prevent breast cancer and other forms of cancer related to hormone imbalance.
The high levels of vitamin E and magnesium present in buckwheat protect against childhood asthma.
Because buckwheat is high in insoluble fiber it can help to prevent gallstones as it facilitates the movement of food through the intestines.
The manganese in buckwheat helps form healthy bones and connective tissue and can help prevent osteoporosis.
Buckwheat also facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses and assists in energy production.
The amino acid tryptophan in buckwheat elevates mood.
Less acid forming with a well balanced mineral composition (sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese) combined with a high flavonoid* content, buckwheat assists in the ability to combat colds and flu.
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This blog was originally published November 12, 2018 and has been updated here for freshness and comprehensiveness.
Endnotes:
*Flavonoids are phytonutrients responsible for the vivid colors in fruits and vegetables and are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits.
Sources:
Murray, Michael T., et al. The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. Time Warner International, 2006.
Pitchford, Paul. Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books, 2009.
Verheyen, Yes. Enjoyvity, Your Full Spectrum of Life. Verheyen Consulting, 2010.
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