Navratri health hack! Acharya Balkrishna’s buckwheat (kuttu) tips could change your fasting forever

Navratri is here. And many of us are scrambling to figure out what to eat while keeping our vrat (fast) rules in mind. Enter buckwheat, or kuttu, the grain that’s suddenly stealing the spotlight, and not without reason. Acharya Balkrishna recently shared on Facebook how this little seed packs a nutritional punch that can boost your health in more ways than one.

Here’s why you might want to make buckwheat your Navratri star.

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Also Read: From farm to family glass: How Patanjali’s Samriddha Gram plans to transform India’s dairy system

A treasure trove of vitamins and minerals

Buckwheat is not just another fasting-friendly ingredient. It is loaded with essential nutrients that your body will thank you for. Among the vitamins, it’s rich in:

– Vitamin K – great for healthy bones and blood clotting

– Choline – supports liver and brain function

– Niacinamide – helps convert food into energy

When it comes to minerals, buckwheat is a powerhouse:

– Manganese – strengthens bones and helps your metabolism

– Copper – supports heart health in small amounts

– Magnesium – may lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease

– Iron – crucial for blood health and preventing anemia

– Phosphorus – vital for tissue growth and repair

Plant compounds that work wonders

The magic of buckwheat isn’t limited to vitamins and minerals. It also contains potent plant compounds like rutin, quercetin, vitexin, and D-chiro-inositol. These antioxidants are more than just fancy names. They can help:

– Reduce inflammation

– Keep your blood pressure in check

– Lower the risk of heart disease

In fact, rutin is particularly interesting because it may prevent blood clots, reduce inflammation, and help protect your heart.

Researchers are still exploring all its benefits, but early results are promising.

Good fasting option

Worried about blood sugar spikes while fasting? Buckwheat has you covered. With a low to medium glycemic index, it won’t send your blood sugar soaring. Over time, this can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and help maintain steady energy levels.

Buckwheat’s combination of fiber, magnesium, copper, and proteins makes it a friend for your heart. Regular consumption could contribute to better heart health, and the antioxidants may help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure naturally.

For those who love their heart as much as their festive treats, buckwheat is a winner.

A word of caution

Before you rush to make kuttu ke pakode or pancakes, note that buckwheat can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

Symptoms can include skin rashes, facial swelling, or even breathing difficulties. Those allergic to latex or rice are more likely to be sensitive. But it can happen even without prior allergies.

Always test in small amounts if you’re trying it for the first time.