Instant porridges are popular. Many speak negatively of cereals processed in this way, but are they all harmful? Instant buckwheat flakes, unlike oat or rice, maximize the benefit of whole grains. However, this product also has contraindications, although there are very few of them. It is also worth noting that cereal can be cooked as banal porridge, as well as real dessert or delicious pancakes for the whole family. And most importantly, these recipes do not take much time and do not contain expensive ingredients.
Why are buckwheat flakes useful?
Unlike other types of cereals, which are processed so that they can be cooked as quickly as possible, buckwheat flakes retain most of the beneficial properties of buckwheat. What is the reason for this?
In order for the cereal to cook faster, it is simply cut into thin plates, which are subsequently pressed. That is, no other processing is performed on the product. Of course, a lot depends on the manufacturer, but well-known brands try to adhere to all processing standards.
Buckwheat flakes - a product harmless to a healthy person. This is due to the fact that buckwheat does not absorb harmful substances, does not accumulate pesticides, that is, it can be collected almost anywhere, without fear that it contains toxic substances.
How to choose buckwheat flakes? Customer reviews
As those who often use this product say, it is better to choose a dish with the least amount of ingredients. Ideally, the product box should contain only cereal. Slightly worse if it contains salt or other spices. Choosing a ready-made porridge that is simply poured with boiling water is not worth it. The main harm of such buckwheat flakes is in a large amount of sugar or salt, depending on whether it is sweet cereal or with mushrooms or other ingredients. Manufacturers can also add colors or flavors that do not make the final meal healthier.
It is also worth paying attention to the packaging. The cardboard box should not be opened, and deformed boxes should also be avoided. This may indicate a violation of storage and transportation standards. Also, the shelf life of such flakes should not be very long. Porridge, which has been stored for years, is hardly very useful.
What are the benefits of buckwheat and cereal?
The benefits and harms of buckwheat flakes are a fairly broad topic. Better to start with useful properties. Why do you need to eat cereals and cereals of this cereal? The point is its composition. First of all, it is worth noting that this cereal contains a lot of protein. Therefore, it is so loved by those who follow their figure. This is a nutritious food that quickly saturates, and also helps to normalize metabolism. Athletes can restore muscle mass in this way.
Buckwheat flakes also have a large amount of iron. Lack of this substance can lead to anemia. It is also known that iron in cereals is much larger than even in meat dishes.
Buckwheat also contains B vitamins. They beneficially affect the metabolism, that is, without them it is difficult to lose weight for those who are obese. In addition, these substances directly affect the human nervous system. Therefore, buckwheat porridge prepared for lunch can be a remedy for stressful situations at work or at home.
Buckwheat can also be eaten by those who suffer from diabetes. Despite the fact that there are carbohydrates in buckwheat and cereal, they are easily absorbed, even reducing blood sugar.
You should also pay attention to buckwheat porridge for those who have high blood pressure. It is proved that products with this cereal reduce it, and also have a beneficial effect on muscle function, cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol plaques.
Buckwheat porridge for women: beauty and health
Why do so many girls love buckwheat or cereal? This is a source of fiber. In turn, it allows the body to get rid of unnecessary substances, cleanses the intestines. As a result, problems with skin, nails and hair disappear.
Buckwheat is also necessary for women during pregnancy or during breastfeeding. These flakes help the formation of muscle and bone tissue in babies, strengthen the mother's immunity.
Buckwheat Flakes and Diets
It has been proven that the introduction of this product into the diet helps to reduce weight. That is, replacing porridge from rice or oatmeal with this option helps to get rid of a certain amount of fat. It is also worth noting that buckwheat helps restore metabolism, which is important for those who have just left the diet, whose body is in a state of stress.
However, in this case, do not add cream, butter or sour cream to buckwheat. It is better to limit the option on the water. If porridge is boiled, but not poured, it is better to slightly undercook. It is also worth putting salt only at the very end, otherwise its excess will retain water in the body.
Fasting days on this product are also known. They only eat buckwheat porridge and drink water or one percent kefir. However, such a day is best repeated no more than once a month.
Contraindications to the use of buckwheat flakes
Unfortunately, buckwheat flakes have both benefits and harms. So, they should not be consumed by those who suffer from allergies to this cereal. Otherwise, this product is considered to be harmless. However, it should be understood that in combination with some products, buckwheat porridge can become a high-calorie dish, helping to gain weight. For example, buckwheat flakes in milk or cream should not be eaten by those who want to reduce their weight.
Very quick breakfast option
How to cook buckwheat flakes? Cooking this product is not recommended. When cooking, many nutrients simply evaporate. Therefore, ideally, simply pour boiling water over them and leave them under the lid for twenty minutes. The easiest option is to steam the flakes like that and then just salt to taste. But it's a little boring.
A simple breakfast cereal recipe requires the following ingredients: flaxseed, the flakes themselves, a small amount of cinnamon and vanilla, milk and honey. A cup of milk requires about 150 grams of buckwheat. Flakes are poured with cold boiled water all night. In the morning you need to combine them with flax and chop in a blender. All ingredients except honey are put in this mixture, and then heated on a fire for three minutes. Now you can add honey and have breakfast.
Buckwheat pancakes for the whole family
These fritters are very popular not only with adults, but also with children. Buckwheat is hardly noticeable in them, so even those who do not like this cereal are happy to eat pancakes.
To prepare you need to take:
- A glass of kefir with a fat content of up to two percent.
- Half a glass of cereal.
- Two tablespoons of wheat flour.
- Two chicken eggs.
- A pinch of salt.
- You can take sugar to taste or use finely chopped bacon or boiled chicken breast. Then it’s worth adding a little salt.
Flakes should be soaked in cold water for at least half an hour. Then they are mixed with eggs, kefir and flour, a pinch of soda is added. Also, additional ingredients in the form of sugar or meat supplements. It is more convenient to spread a tablespoon on a frying pan heated and greased with vegetable oil. Bake on both sides.
Dessert with jam
A simple breakfast recipe contains few ingredients, but is a delicious dessert. For him you need:
- Three tablespoons of cereal (with a slide).
- A glass of boiling water.
- Half a glass of strawberry jam.
- Cream with a fat content of at least 33% - five tablespoons.
Flakes are poured into a container, poured with boiling water and left for ten to fifteen minutes. When the product looks like porridge, it is laid out in portioned cups, spreading along the bottom (can be leveled with a spoon). Stack jam on top to completely cover the porridge. While he soaks the flakes, you can whip the cream until thick. Better use a mixer.
The next layer is cream. They are also aligned with a spoon. Now they put porridge, jam again and finish everything with cream. If desired, you can decorate such a dessert with a drop of jam or fresh berry. A mint leaf is also great. You can eat this dessert right away, but it's better to let it stand in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes.
Buckwheat flakes are a healthy product. It contains vitamins and minerals that are simply necessary for a person. So, during pregnancy, girls are better off periodically eating porridge from this product. This will help the baby. It is also worth consuming buckwheat for those who want to have a healthy heart and blood vessels. There are practically no contraindications to the use of this product, since buckwheat does not absorb harmful substances. It is also worth noting that many tasty and fast dishes can be prepared from it. Such cereals can be an alternative to oatmeal for breakfast.