Black wheat is also known as Buckwheat and categorized under cereals. As we know the wheat is one the major source of nutrition for our body. In India along with nutrition, wheat is also a major source of income due to its huge cultivation. The black wheat is a healthier option to adopt than brown wheat. The reason is instead of just color difference, the black wheat possesses more nutritional values when compared to normal wheat. Apart from black, buckwheat is also available in purple and blue colors.

The Reason of Colour

Some pigments give color to fruits or vegetables that are nothing but the – Anthocyanins. Their concentration level also plays a major role in colors. In ordinary wheat, the concentration of these anthocyanins is 4 to 5ppm whereas in black wheat it is around 100- 200 ppm. This makes the wheat black. Hence the variation in this concentration level contributes different colors to the fruits and vegetables.

Properties of Black Wheat

Initially let us go through the properties of brown wheat.

(Reference – Bhavapraksha / Dhanyavarga / Chapter no. 9 / Shloka no 33, 34)

The meaning of this shloka goes as– Qualities of wheat (Godhuma) are –sweet in taste, cold in potency, heavy to digest, subsides Vata- Kapha dosha, increases strength, improves the quality of sperms, unites fractured bones, rejuvenates the whole body, enhances complexion, increases appetite, provides firmness to the body.

• As stated earlier, black wheat also has these properties, in addition to that, it also has some more nutritional qualities. That is why the nutritional status of black wheat is compared to Blueberries or Jamun.
• Rich Source of antioxidants.
• It is a Gluten-Free Cereal and helpful for those who are allergic to gluten.
• Great source of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
• Vitamins and Minerals – Rich source of vitamin B, that means has a higher level of vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid. In minerals zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium are present in it.
• Rich source of Amino Acids – Amino acids and lipids are the main components that form our tissue, hence in body build up we can use them. It provides all the essential amino acids to our body.

1. Reduces Stress Level

In today’s era, every individual is suffering from stress and leading a stressful life. To manage that stress everybody is searching for some solution in the form of medications but such medicines have side effects, even persons are becoming addicted to these medicines and their conditions go worst. But a better way to tackle the stress is our diet. Black wheat is coming as a boon for them. At present researches is going on black wheat, which shows efficient results in certain conditions.

2.Beneficial in Obesity

In this competitive world, everybody is busy in attaining their goals and forget to give time to their health. The lack of physical activity leads to obesity. Not only our activity, our improper diet which mainly includes stuff like – junk food, oils, and fatty acids results in obesity. Black wheat is a protein and fiber-rich food and has fewer fats and carbohydrates. It is rich in antioxidants which helps to remove toxins from the body.

3. Black Wheat Benefits for Cardiovascular System

Buckwheat contains unsaturated fatty acids that are ideal lipids that helps to prevent and use in cardiovascular disorders. It is effective in reducing low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides and increases the HDL level (High-density lipoprotein). Research on cardiac patients has yielded very meaningful results in the individuals who consumed black wheat.

4.Relieves Constipation

It is a fiber-rich food, hence helps to relieve constipation. Even it improves the intestinal peristalsis, which is a major cause of constipation. Those who usually suffer from constipation, they can add this in their daily diet.

5. Effective in Hypertension

Along with cholesterol levels, it also manages high blood pressure. So it is recommended to have food in hypertensive patients, which is made up of black wheat.

6. Beneficial in Diabetes

Diabetes is also a disease that has spread and affected the huge population throughout the world. The prognosis of this disease is also very poor. Along with medications, the major treatment part includes our diet and lifestyle modifications. For this, black wheat is a natural excellent choice for diabetic patients, if used.

7. Helpful in Cancer

Cancer is considered among the deadly diseases, and the medicines that are used to treat cancer have shown various side effects on our body. Most of the food items are restricted while treatment, in that case, black wheat has become a boon for them. Thus it helps to rejuvenate the affected cells in cancer patients. In research, it has been noticed that blackbuck contains enterolactone, a precursor for breast cancer.

8. A Great Choice for Wheat Allergy Patient

It is a gluten-free food. Gluten is found in wheat, oats and also in some other grains. It is a protein that has an adhesive property. There are some persons who are allergic to wheat, also in some individuals, it will trigger gut inflammation and may worsen the digestive disorders.  Hence, in digestive disorders mostly gluten-rich diet is restricted but black wheat is a great choice for those patients because it is gluten-free.

Already various food items available in the market in the form of flour, multigrain items, cookies, noodles, etc. In any form, you can add black wheat in your diet and can stay healthy.