Also known as Kasha, buckwheat is not only a great source of slow-burning energy, but it also offers many healing benefits. It’s rich in the flavonoid rutin, which I recently learned helps strengthen the walls of the blood capillaries, it also helps prevent blood clots, regulate fluid balance and maintain blood flow; all of these things are important in preventing high blood pressure. Studies show it also helps reduce levels of damaging LDL cholesterol.

Rutin and another flavonoid in buckwheat, quercetin, also appear to help prevent cancer from spreading through the body. Many people think that buckwheat is a cereal grain, but it is actually a fruit seed that is related to rhubarb and sorrel making it a great substitute for grains for people who are sensitive to wheat or other grains that contain protein glutens. The next time you make pancakes try using buckwheat flour instead of white or whole wheat.