Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat: Tasty Health Benefits

Himalayan Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) is a type of buckwheat that is primarily grown in the Himalayan regions. It is a rich source of nutrients and is known for its various health benefits. Here are ten health benefits of Himalayan Tartary buckwheat:

1. Rich in antioxidants: Himalayan Tartary buckwheat is loaded with antioxidants that help to fight free radicals in the body and prevent cell damage. Antioxidants are crucial for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. A study by Kim et al. (2014) reported that Tartary buckwheat had a higher content of rutin, a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, than common buckwheat. Another study by Gao et al. (2017) found that Tartary buckwheat had a higher total phenolic content and antioxidant activity than common buckwheat. These findings suggest that Tartary buckwheat may have superior antioxidant properties compared to other varieties of buckwheat.

Moreover, Tartary buckwheat has been found to possess anticancer properties. A study by Chen et al. (2017) found that the ethanolic extract of Tartary buckwheat inhibited the proliferation and migration of human breast cancer cells. Another study by Liu et al. (2018) reported that the water-soluble extract of Tartary buckwheat had a cytotoxic effect on human colon cancer cells in vitro, suggesting its potential use as a chemopreventive agent. These findings suggest that Tartary buckwheat may have chemopreventive properties and could be a potential source of natural anticancer agents.

2. Lowers cholesterol levels: Studies have shown that Himalayan Tartary buckwheat can help to reduce cholesterol levels, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease. A study by Li et al. (2016) found that Tartary buckwheat reduced the levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides in rats fed a high-fat diet, suggesting its potential use as a natural lipid-lowering agent. Another study by Kim et al. (2014) reported that Tartary buckwheat had a higher content of quercetin and rutin, two flavonoids with cardio-protective properties, than common buckwheat. These findings suggest that Tartary buckwheat may have cardioprotective effects due to its high content of flavonoids.

Tartary buckwheat has been found to improve endothelial function, which is important for maintaining good cardiovascular health. A study by Sankar et al. (2018) found that Tartary buckwheat improved endothelial function and reduced oxidative stress in patients with mild hypertension. Another study by Yamashita et al. (2016) reported that Tartary buckwheat intake improved endothelial function in postmenopausal women. These findings suggest that Tartary buckwheat could be a potential dietary intervention for the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases.