How World View Can Change a Person : Kutu or Buckwheat

How World View Can Change a Person 

                                  - Pradeep Gupta 

When I was a kid , my grandmother used to prove that we Hindus are best among all the religions because we eat Kutu Aata during Navratri fasting and no other religion knows about this fasting diet. As a kid I religiously believed it.

Cut to the year 2008 I come to know during my US visit that Kutu Aata was available in plenty at Stores and not imported from India but grown locally, and the locals call it Buckwheat. 

Surprise of surprise, many African countries use  buckwheat as a part of staple diet . I have enjoyed buckwheat pancakes or cheelas as a part of their course meal at Ethiopian food joints. In fact they spread a big cheela in plate and keep boiled pulses on it. 

But the fact remains that Buckwheat or Kutu is native to western China, Tibet and eastern India. And it is equally true that it is cultivated in the cool, moist climes of Russia, central and southeastern Asia, Africa , Europe and USA. 

It is a pseudocereal as it shares many similar properties to cereals but does not come from grass as most other cereals do.

In fact,  buckwheat is  an ingredient in many everyday food products in western societies , such as breakfast foods, flour, and noodles. Interestingly,  there the farmers also use it for livestock feed.

Nutritional Facts About Buckwheat :

Buckwheat contains a variety of healthful nutrients. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and healthful complex carbohydrates.

One cup, or 168 grams (g) Kutu Dalia , roasted and cooked contains the following nutrients:

* 5.68 g of protein

* 1.04 g of fat

* 33.5 g of carbohydrate

* 4.5 g of fiber

* 148 milligrams (mg) of potassium

* 118 mg of phosphorous

* 86 mg of magnesium

* 12 mg of calcium

* 1.34 mg of iron

It is also a rich source of vitamins including:

* riboflavin

* niacin

* folate

* vitamin K

* vitamin B-6

As a whole grain, buckwheat could have benefits for heart health.If taken on regular basis, buckwheat may lower blood pressure, which can also improve heart health.

2. Improving digestion : 

Buckwheat is rich in fiber. Dietary fiber is a type of plant-based carbohydrate that the body cannot break down during digestion.

Fiber supports the intestines in digesting food efficiently and helps food move through the digestive tract. It may also have other benefits, such as encouraging weight loss and preventing cardiovascular disease.

3. Weight management : 

Buckwheat is also a good option for weight management.

Satiety is the feeling of fullness after a meal. It is an important concept in preventing weight gain or promoting weight loss. Foods that increase satiety can offset hunger for more extended periods and may reduce the total number of calories a person consumes during a day.

Buckwheat is high in protein. Research has found that high-protein foods are essential for weight management because they lead to greater satiety with fewer calories than other types of food.

Including buckwheat in a healthful diet could lead to greater satiety and help with weight management. However, scientists will need to do further research into the effect of buckwheat and other whole grains to confirm this.

4. Managing diabetes :

As a whole grain, buckwheat is a source of complex carbohydrate. This form of carbohydrate can help people manage their blood glucose levels.

The body takes longer to break down complex carbohydrates than simple carbohydrates. This slows down digestion and helps keep blood sugar levels stable for longer. White bread is an example of a simple carbohydrate.

Mostly Side effects Free Diet : 

Buckwheat is generally safe to consume and should not cause side effects in most people.

It is possible for buckwheat to cause a reaction in people with buckwheat allergies. They may experience symptoms, such as swelling in the mouth, or hives, when consuming buckwheat.

So next time think of switching to Kutu Aata not only due to religious reason only but to enjoy tremendous health benefits