Though buckwheat is certainly one of the lesser known healthy grains out there, we’re sure that you’ll have had it at least once or twice without even realizing it!
Buckwheat is commonly used to make baked and fried treats when used as a flour, and pancakes just so happen to be one of them.
Still, despite the fact that buckwheat flour is highly popular, it’s important to make sure that its potential side effects aren’t being overlooked.
Out of all the healthy grains out there, buckwheat has the highest levels of amino acids, and this can lead to all sorts of problems in those that suffer from stomach sensitivities.
If you’re interested in learning a little more about buckwheat, rest assured that you have come to the right place.
In this article, we are going to be taking a closer look at this healthy grain, including its side effects, to help determine whether or not it can cause bloating.
Let’s begin!
What Is Buckwheat?
As one of the lesser known grains out there, buckwheat (and what it is good for) can often be a point of confusion for many. So, before we get any further – we first think that it would be a good idea to first take a moment to explain what buckwheat is.
To cut a long story short, buckwheat is essentially a type of flowering plant that comes directly from the knotweed family Polygonaceae.
It is typically cultivated due to its grain seeds as well as to be used as a cover crop. While its grains can be incorporated into cereal, buckwheat is most commonly used as a flour.
Buckwheat is considered heart healthy and is incredibly rich in minerals, nutrients and vitamins. Let’s break down the main nutrients that can be found in buckwheat below:
- Copper: Copper is a vital trace element that many people have a deficiency in. Even when eaten in very small amounts, copper is known to be able to help contribute to and support the healthy functioning of the heart, as well as the body and mind in general.
- Iron: Buckwheat is also filled with iron! Iron is a vital mineral that we all need. Without healthy levels of iron, it can lead to conditions such as anemia which can lead to the blood becoming compromised and unable to carry healthy levels of oxygen throughout the body.
- Phosphorus: Unlike other types of healthy grains out there, buckwheat is also extremely high in phosphorus! Phosphorus is another mineral that many people find themselves experiencing a deficiency in, which is why eating buckwheat can offer so many benefits. Phosphorus is essential in the healthy maintenance of the body tissues and can even help to contribute to the healthy functioning of the body and the mind overall.
That being said, while buckwheat might be fine for one individual to take, it might cause a variety of problems in another.
Here are some of the most common side effects that people with allergies or sensitivities to buckwheat often find themselves experiencing shortly after consuming it:
- Feelings of nausea
- Vomiting
- Hives and itchiness
- A shortness of breath
- Feelings of dizziness and even brain fog
- Extreme fatigue and lack of energy
- The inability to form coherent speech
- A feeling of the throat closing up
As a side note, it is also very common for buckwheat to induce weight gain, especially if too much is eaten.
While calorie content can no doubt vary from brand to brand, an average pancake that has been made with buckwheat flour typically tends to contain around 105 calories.
This is relatively high (especially when compared with other types of flour) which is something to keep in mind when incorporating buckwheat into your healthy diet.
Plus, along with all of the above, it is also important to keep in mind that buckwheat can also potentially cause gastrointestinal issues.
Why? Well, buckwheat flour typically tends to contain around 3 grams of fiber per a quarter cup, and this high concentration of fiber can potentially cause cramping and gas in those who are already predisposed to such issues.
This brings us to our next point.
Does Buckwheat Give You Bloating?
So, can buckwheat cause bloating? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t so clear cut as a simple “yes” or “no”.
Why? Well, this is because while some people find that buckwheat does not cause bloating or stomach pains, there are many people who struggle with sensitivities to this particular grain.
To be a little more specific, buckwheat when eaten has the ability to trigger the body’s production of both bile acids and gas.
Now, in a healthy person that does not typically suffer from any stoma related issues, buckwheat should do nothing more than simply aid in the healthy digestion process.
However, on the other hand, if someone already has grain sensitivities or suffers from conditions like celiac disease, deciding to eat buckwheat can potentially wreak havoc on their system.
In these such instances, buckwheat can lead to stomach pains, bloating, gassiness, nausea and even extreme levels of fatigue.
That being said, if you are currently considering incorporating buckwheat into your diet to help assist with your digestive system but you’re unsure of whether or not is will be appropriate for you – then we suggest speaking with your doctor in order to determine whether or not buckwheat will be a good grain for you.
Generally speaking, however, the majority of people will likely find that buckwheat doesn’t offer any negative side effects.
In fact, as we have already briefly mentioned above, buckwheat has the ability to help aid in the healthy functioning of the digestive system and can even help to raise a person’s fiber levels.
Still, given the fact that buckwheat can cause bloating, it’s best to err on the side of caution if you feel you might be sensitive to it.
The Bottom Line: Should You Eat Buckwheat?
You’ve made it to the end of this guide! Now that you have taken the time to read through all of the above information, we hope that we have been able to help you learn a little more about buckwheat, including whether or not it can give you bloating.
Just to sum up everything that we have discussed with you above, buckwheat is known for causing bloating and stomach pain in those that struggle with stomach issues such as celiac disease.
Along with causing stomach pain and bloating, buckwheat can also cause feelings of nausea and brain fog in those that have sensitivities to it.
However, if you are struggling to get enough fiber in your diet and you need to take more of it, buckwheat can help to regulate your digestive system while also helping to reduce the chances of you experiencing constipation.
All that being said, if you are interested in taking buckwheat to help contribute to your healthy digestive process but you’re unsure of whether or not might be a suitable option for you – we recommend that you consult your doctor before making any firm decisions.
Thanks for reading!
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