Nutrient-rich buckwheat may provide a safe alternative to wheat flour for people with wheat allergies and celiac disease. If you have a wheat allergy or celiac, even small amounts of wheat can cause an allergic reaction and illness. Buckwheat itself is wheat free, but not all buckwheat products are safe to eat. Additionally, sensitivity to wheat and gluten varies from person to person, so use caution when trying new foods.
Composition
Buckwheat is not actually a grain, but the seed of a plant related to rhubarb, according to Irma Rombauer in "The Joy of Cooking." Due to its origins, the chemical composition of buckwheat differs from wheat, making it tolerable for people with wheat allergies. Buckwheat is also gluten free, so it will not disrupt persons with gluten intolerance. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, which causes digestive problems in people with celiac disease.
Contamination
Though pure buckwheat contains no wheat, it is easily contaminated when it comes in contact with wheat products. Some companies process buckwheat products on the same equipment they use to process wheat. If processing equipment is not thoroughly cleaned between uses, buckwheat becomes contaminated and will cause an allergic reaction. Contact the company that produces the buckwheat product you want to use and ask them about their processing methods to determine if contamination is an issue.
Buckwheat Allergy
Some people develop an allergic reaction to buckwheat even though it has no wheat. A skin rash develops in response to a buckwheat allergic reaction, though you should consult your doctor to determine the exact problem. People who eat large quantities of buckwheat, or eat buckwheat frequently are at a greater risk of developing an allergic reaction, according to the University of Wisconsin Extension Service.
Nutrition
Whole-grain buckwheat is highly nutritious, providing 22 grams of protein per cup of flour, as well as 17 grams of fiber and trace minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. Buckwheat also contains B vitamins and folate and has a deep, nutty flavor. Because of the high nutritional value and rich flavor, some companies mix buckwheat with wheat flour or other grains. Check your ingredients list carefully when purchasing buckwheat products to make sure they do not contain other wheat or gluten ingredients.
References
- American Dietetic Association; Wheat Allergy Nutrition Therapy
- Gluten Free Living Magazine; The Basics of Buckwheat; 1999
- Alternative Field Crop Manual -- University of Minnesota Extension and University of Wisconsin Extension; Buckwheat; E.S. Oplinger, et al.; 1989
- "The Joy of Cooking"; Irma S. Rombauer; 1997
- MayoClinic.com; Celiac Disease; September 2011
- University of Rochester Medical Center: Nutrition Facts, Buckwheat, 1 Cup
