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Buckwheat groats vs Whole-grain cornmeal: Which Is Better?

This article explains the key similarities and differences between buckwheat groats and whole-grain cornmeal, foods from the grains food group. Read on to learn more about the buckwheat groats vs whole-grain cornmeal comparison.
Esther Bumpus, Health Writer

Written by Esther Bumpus, Health Writer. Updated on February 2, 2023.

Buckwheat groats and whole-grain cornmeal 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 groats and whole-grain cornmeal and help you learn more about their similarities and differences.

Buckwheat groats

Buckwheat groats (Fagopyrum esculentum) are the hulled seeds of the buckwheat plant, which is not related to wheat, despite its name. They are triangular in shape and have a nutty, earthy flavor.

Buckwheat groats are a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fibers, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. They are also a good source of protein and antioxidants, making them a valuable food for vegetarians and vegans.

Buckwheat groats can be used as a side dish added to soups and stews or ground into flour and used in baking. They are also gluten-free and easy to digest, making them a great option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Buckwheat groats are considered a functional food, as they have been shown to positively impact health when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet. They are also a sustainable crop, as they can be grown in poor soil conditions and are resistant to pests and diseases.

Buckwheat groats is an excellent source of Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate) and some Vitamin E.

Whole-grain cornmeal

Whole-grain cornmeal (Zea mays) is made by grinding whole corn kernels into a fine or coarse powder. It is considered a whole grain because it contains all three parts of the corn kernel: the germ, bran, and endosperm.

It is a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fibers, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals like vitamin B3, iron and zinc. It also contains antioxidants, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, that have been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health and blood sugar control.

Whole-grain cornmeal is commonly used in traditional American cuisine, such as cornbread, polenta, and grits. It can also be used as a coating for fish and meats, as an ingredient in baking, and as a thickener in soups and sauces. It is a healthier option than refined cornmeal as it retains all the nutrients from the corn kernel and provides more fiber.

Whole-grain cornmeal is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine) and some Vitamin A, Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

Buckwheat groats vs Whole-grain cornmeal Nutrition

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

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

Buckwheat groatsWhole-grain cornmeal
Energy346 kcal362 kcal
Carbs75 g76.9 g
Sugar1.69 g0.64 g
Fiber10.3 g7.3 g
Protein11.7 g8.12 g
Fat2.71 g3.59 g
Saturated Fat0.591 g0.505 g

Buckwheat groats vs Whole-grain cornmeal Calories

Most calories in grains come from carbs.

Comparing buckwheat groats vs whole-grain cornmeal for weight loss, buckwheat groats is slightly lower in calories, with 346 calories per 100 grams, compared to 362 calories per 100 grams of whole-grain cornmeal.

However, both buckwheat groats and whole-grain cornmeal 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 groats vs Whole-grain cornmeal Protein

Grains and most grain products, including buckwheat groats and whole-grain cornmeal, 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 groats offers around 31% more protein than whole-grain cornmeal.

Buckwheat groats has 11.7 grams of protein per 100 grams, while whole-grain cornmeal has 8.1 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Buckwheat groats vs Whole-grain cornmeal 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 groats and whole-grain cornmeal.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 2% higher in whole-grain cornmeal than in buckwheat groats. It has 76.9 grams per 100 grams, compared to 75 grams in buckwheat groats.

There’s less sugar in whole-grain cornmeal than in buckwheat groats, 65% precisely.

That said, 100 grams of whole-grain cornmeal contains 0.6 grams of sugar, while the same amount of buckwheat groats contains 1.7 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in buckwheat groats and whole-grain cornmeal.

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

With 10.3 grams of fiber per 100 grams, buckwheat groats is a better source of fiber than whole-grain cornmeal which buckwheat groats offers 7.3 grams per 100 gram portion.

Buckwheat groats vs Whole-grain cornmeal Fats

Like most other grains, buckwheat groats and whole-grain cornmeal are low in fat.

Fats in buckwheat groats and whole-grain cornmeal are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in buckwheat groats and whole-grain cornmeal:

  • Buckwheat groats: 2.7 grams per 100 grams
  • Whole-grain cornmeal: 3.6 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, whole-grain cornmeal is 17% lower in saturated fats.

Whole-grain cornmeal and buckwheat groats contain 0.5 grams and 0.6 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Buckwheat groats vs Whole-grain cornmeal Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of buckwheat groats and whole-grain cornmeal.

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

Buckwheat groats has a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and vitamin K.

However, whole-grain cornmeal has a higher amount of vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), and vitamin E.

Buckwheat groats and whole-grain cornmeal contain the same amount of vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins buckwheat groats and whole-grain cornmeal contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Buckwheat groatsWhole-grain cornmeal
Vitamin A0214 IU
Vitamin C00
Vitamin D00
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)0.224 mg0.385 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.271 mg0.201 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)5.14 mg3.63 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)1.23 mg0.425 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine)0.353 mg0.304 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)42 µg25 µg
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)00
Vitamin E1.19 mg0.42 mg
Vitamin K00.3 µg

Buckwheat groats vs Whole-grain cornmeal 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 groats and whole-grain cornmeal comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Buckwheat groats is a better source of iron, selenium, and sodium than whole-grain cornmeal.

On the other hand, whole-grain cornmeal is a higher amount of calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

Buckwheat groats and whole-grain cornmeal contain the same amount of fluoride.

Check out the table below to learn how buckwheat groats and whole-grain cornmeal compare when it comes to mineral content.

Buckwheat groatsWhole-grain cornmeal
Calcium17 mg6 mg
Copper0.624 mg0.193 mg
Fluoride00
Iron2.47 mg3.45 mg
Magnesium221 mg127 mg
Manganese1.62 mg0.498 mg
Phosphorus319 mg241 mg
Potassium320 mg287 mg
Selenium8.4 µg15.5 µg
Sodium11 mg35 mg
Zinc2.42 mg1.82 mg

The Final Word

This article highlighted the similarities and differences between buckwheat groats and whole-grain cornmeal.

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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