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Buckwheat flour vs Rye grain: Which Is Healthier?

This article explains the key similarities and differences between buckwheat flour and rye grain, foods from the grains food group. Read on to learn more about the buckwheat flour vs rye grain comparison.
Catherine Toledo, Journalist

Written by Catherine Toledo, Journalist. Updated on February 2, 2023.

Buckwheat flour and rye grain belong to the grains food group, one of the staple food groups for people on a plant-based diet.

Grains and grain products are an affordable source of carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (such as thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin), iron, and zinc, minerals that are usually harder to get on a plant-based diet.

They also provide a small amount of protein and healthy fats.

However, it is important to note that whole grains are generally a better source of these nutrients than refined grains.

This article will thoroughly compare buckwheat flour and rye grain and help you learn more about their similarities and differences.

Buckwheat flour

Buckwheat flour (Fagopyrum esculentum) is made from ground buckwheat groats, which are the hulled seeds of the buckwheat plant. It has a nutty, earthy flavor and a dark color due to the presence of polyphenols.

Buckwheat flour is a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fibers, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. It is also a good source of protein, antioxidants, and flavonoids, making it a valuable food for vegetarians and vegans.

Buckwheat flour is commonly used in baking, particularly in traditional dishes like soba noodles, crepes, and blinis. It is also gluten-free and easy to digest, making it a great option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Buckwheat flour is considered a functional food, as it has been shown to positively impact health when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet. It is also a sustainable crop, as it can be grown in poor soil conditions and is resistant to pests and diseases.

Buckwheat flour is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin B9 (Folate) and some Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin K.

Rye grain

Rye grain (Secale cereale) is a cereal grain that is closely related to wheat and barley.

It is a good source of dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including B vitamins like niacin and folate, as well as minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium.

The high fiber content of rye grain has been linked to improved digestion, weight management, and lower cholesterol levels. It also contains a unique type of dietary fiber called arabinoxylan, which has been shown to have a prebiotic effect on gut health.

Rye grain is commonly used in bread making and traditional dishes such as rye porridge and crisp bread. It can also be milled into flour and used in baking or cooked and eaten as a side dish.

Rye grain is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate) and some Vitamin E, and Vitamin K.

Buckwheat flour vs Rye grain Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing buckwheat flour vs rye grain.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of buckwheat flour and rye grain and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

Buckwheat flourRye grain
Energy335 kcal338 kcal
Carbs70.6 g75.9 g
Sugar2.6 g0.98 g
Fiber10 g15.1 g
Protein12.6 g10.3 g
Fat3.1 g1.63 g
Saturated Fat0.677 g0.197 g

Buckwheat flour vs Rye grain Calories

Most calories in grains come from carbs.

Comparing buckwheat flour vs rye grain for weight loss, buckwheat flour is slightly lower in calories, with 335 calories per 100 grams, compared to 338 calories per 100 grams of rye grain.

However, both buckwheat flour and rye grain can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Buckwheat flour vs Rye grain Protein

Grains and most grain products, including buckwheat flour and rye grain, are important sources of plant-based protein.

However, it should be noted that most grains, with the exception of quinoa and buckwheat, for example, are low in lysine and methionine.

That said, you can combine grains with legumes to get a complete protein.

Buckwheat flour offers around 18% more protein than rye grain.

Buckwheat flour has 12.6 grams of protein per 100 grams, while rye grain has 10.3 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Buckwheat flour vs Rye grain Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in buckwheat flour and rye grain.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 7% higher in rye grain than in buckwheat flour. It has 75.9 grams per 100 grams, compared to 70.6 grams in buckwheat flour.

There’s less sugar in rye grain than in buckwheat flour, 62% precisely.

That said, 100 grams of rye grain contains 1 grams of sugar, while the same amount of buckwheat flour contains 2.6 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in buckwheat flour and rye grain.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 15.1 grams of fiber per 100 grams, rye grain is a better source of fiber than buckwheat flour which offers 10 grams per 100 gram portion.

Buckwheat flour vs Rye grain Fats

Like most other grains, buckwheat flour and rye grain are low in fat.

Fats in buckwheat flour and rye grain are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in buckwheat flour and rye grain:

  • Buckwheat flour: 3.1 grams per 100 grams
  • Rye grain: 1.6 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, rye grain is 71% lower in saturated fats.

Rye grain and buckwheat flour contain 0.2 grams and 0.7 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Buckwheat flour vs Rye grain Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of buckwheat flour and rye grain.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Buckwheat flour has a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and vitamin E.

However, rye grain has a higher amount of vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), and vitamin K.

Buckwheat flour and rye grain contain the same amount of vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins buckwheat flour and rye grain contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Buckwheat flourRye grain
Vitamin A011 IU
Vitamin C00
Vitamin D00
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)0.417 mg0.316 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.19 mg0.251 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)6.15 mg4.27 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)0.44 mg1.46 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine)0.582 mg0.294 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)54 µg38 µg
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)00
Vitamin E0.32 mg0.85 mg
Vitamin K7 µg5.9 µg

Buckwheat flour vs Rye grain Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc, or iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the buckwheat flour and rye grain comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Buckwheat flour is a better source of manganese, and selenium than rye grain.

On the other hand, rye grain is a higher amount of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc.

Buckwheat flour and rye grain contain the same amount of fluoride.

Check out the table below to learn how buckwheat flour and rye grain compare when it comes to mineral content.

Buckwheat flourRye grain
Calcium41 mg24 mg
Copper0.515 mg0.367 mg
Fluoride00
Iron4.06 mg2.63 mg
Magnesium251 mg110 mg
Manganese2.03 mg2.58 mg
Phosphorus337 mg332 mg
Potassium577 mg510 mg
Selenium5.7 µg13.9 µg
Sodium11 mg2 mg
Zinc3.12 mg2.65 mg

The Final Word

This article highlighted the similarities and differences between buckwheat flour and rye grain.

Grains, also known as cereal grains, are an important source of nutrition for many people around the world. They are a rich source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body.

Whole grains contain important vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and iron. Whole grains, in particular, are high in dietary fiber and can help with digestion and weight management.

They may also have other health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Grains are also a staple food and an important source of food security in many parts of the world.

Sources

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