Buckwheat for gastritis

The seeds of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) – the ripened ovules, peeled from the husk – we call buckwheat. It is one of the products recommended for many gastroenterological diseases, and buckwheat for gastritis is also included in the diet. [ 1 ]

Benefits of buckwheat

But first, let's talk about the benefits of buckwheat, which is a rich source of vegetable protein, starch and dietary fiber, fatty acids (including unsaturated ones - linoleic and linolenic), vitamins, macro- and microelements, polyphenolic compounds (in the form of flavonoids), etc.

And all these useful substances of regular buckwheat porridge are well absorbed, since the content of phytic acid, which interferes with their absorption, in buckwheat is minimal - compared to cereals.

Balanced in composition, buckwheat vegetable proteins are distinguished by a high content of the essential amino acid lysine, which promotes healing - regeneration of damaged tissues. And the combination of lysine with the proteinogenic amino acid glycine (which is not essential) helps regulate liver LDL (low-density lipoprotein) receptors and reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Also, the mechanism for reducing lipid levels in the blood serum is associated with buckwheat flavonoids, which inhibit the activity of lipase - a digestive enzyme produced by the pancreas.

Studies of the biologically active components of buckwheat seeds have shown the presence of a number of antioxidant enzymes that protect cells from oxidative stress – the destructive effects of superoxide radicals (a reactive form of oxygen).

The flavonoid quercetin found in buckwheat, in addition to its antioxidant effect, reduces the intensity of inflammatory processes and helps stabilize the cell membranes of various tissues. For patients with inflammation of the gastric mucosa, the benefit of this plant polyphenol is its positive effect on the entire gastrointestinal tract: it accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissues (including the gastric and intestinal mucosa) and, in fact, has a gastroprotective effect. [ 2 ]

In addition, recent studies (in vitro and in vivo) have demonstrated the ability of quercetin to reduce gastric mucosal inflammation and cell death associated with Helicobacter pylori infection.

Rutin (vitamin P) – a glycoside of the flavonoid quercetin, contained in buckwheat seeds – has a strengthening effect on the walls of blood vessels and reduces capillary bleeding.

Buckwheat also contains thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), folic acid (vitamin B9), and niacin (vitamin PP).

The tannins in buckwheat seeds, interacting with the proteins of the mucus produced by the gastric glands, increase the protection of its mucous membrane.

The benefits of buckwheat are undeniable and include the chemical elements it contains that are essential for many biochemical processes in the body: potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese; iron and copper (which contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system); zinc (which is involved in many cellular processes in the tissues of all systems and organs), etc. [ 3 ]

Can you eat buckwheat if you have gastritis?

Due to its biochemical composition, buckwheat is considered one of the most useful for the body, and almost no diet for gastrointestinal diseases can do without it. And, first of all, this concerns the diet for gastritis.

But gastritis can be different – depending on the acidity of the gastric juice, the level of which is determined by the production of hydrochloric acid by the fundic glands of the stomach.

Buckwheat is allowed and even encouraged for gastritis with high acidity. Read:

• Porridges for gastritis with high acidity
• Diet for gastritis with high acidity

Buckwheat for erosive gastritis can be consumed only during the remission stage of the disease, since buckwheat seeds contain organic acids (carboxylic and phenolic), in particular, oxalic and salicylic.

Buckwheat porridge is also recommended in a diet for atrophic gastritis with low acidity, but to facilitate digestion in the stomach it should be viscous.

Buckwheat during exacerbation of gastritis is used in the form of mashed liquid porridge, cooked in water. See - Diet during exacerbation of gastritis

Uncooked raw or green buckwheat for gastritis - despite its powerful antioxidant and other beneficial properties - is not recommended by most nutritionists: porridge made from such buckwheat is often bitter, takes longer to digest in the stomach and can cause constipation and increased gas formation in the intestines. [ 4 ]

How to cook buckwheat for gastritis?

Buckwheat should be cooked correctly for gastritis. The sorted and washed grain is placed in a saucepan or stewpan, boiling water is poured over it (two to three parts of water per one part of grain), after boiling, the heat is reduced. The dish is covered (leaving a gap) and kept on low heat - so that the grain is properly boiled. Then butter is added (very little) and the saucepan is completely covered.

The porridge will be more liquid and viscous if the cereal is poured with cold water, but then it will take longer to cook.

By the way, in order not to strain the porridge from the buckwheat kernels (whole seeds), viscous or liquid porridge is prepared from buckwheat groats: it contains the same nutrients and cooks faster. Buckwheat with milk for gastritis (especially with increased acidity of gastric juice) can be prepared in a mixture of water and milk - in a proportion of 1:2 or 1:1.

In addition to porridge, recipes for dishes include soup with buckwheat in vegetable or diluted chicken broth, see - Soup recipes for gastritis

Cutlets, zrazy or casseroles are also prepared using boiled buckwheat. For example, to prepare steamed buckwheat cutlets, two parts of buckwheat are mixed with one part of boiled potatoes (mashed to a puree), a little boiled grated carrots and finely chopped fresh herbs are added. Instead of potatoes, you can put boiled chopped chicken fillet. Cutlets are formed from the well-mixed mass and steamed.

Possible complications

Among the possible complications of eating buckwheat for gastritis, only a very rare allergy to buckwheat is noted.