Buckwheat

grains

Buckwheat

8/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 7.0

Rated by 11 diets

6 approve1 caution4 avoid

How the diets react

Approves6
Caution1
Disapproves4
Is Buckwheat Healthy?

Yes — Buckwheat is broadly considered healthy. 6 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
343kcal
Protein
13g
Carbs
72g
Fat
3.4g
Fiber
10g
Sugar
0g
Sodium
1mg

Diet Ratings

KetoAvoid

Buckwheat contains ~50g net carbs per 100g dry weight despite being gluten-free. Grain-like pseudocereal with high carbohydrate content. Incompatible with ketogenic macros.

VeganApproved

Plant-based pseudocereal with complete protein profile. Naturally gluten-free and minimally processed. Excellent nutritional density.

PaleoAvoid

Despite the name, buckwheat is a grain-like seed and is explicitly excluded from paleo diet. It contains anti-nutrients and phytic acid. Not available to Paleolithic humans in cultivated form.

MediterraneanApproved

Whole grain pseudocereal with complete protein and high fiber. Gluten-free. Used in Mediterranean regions. Minimally processed and nutrient-dense.

CarnivoreAvoid

Despite the name, buckwheat is a plant-derived pseudocereal. Excluded from carnivore diet as a plant food.

Whole30Avoid

Buckwheat is explicitly listed as an excluded grain in the official Whole30 rules, despite its name suggesting otherwise.

Low-FODMAPApproved

Buckwheat is naturally low in FODMAPs despite its name containing 'wheat'. Monash University has tested and confirmed low-FODMAP status at standard servings (approximately 50g dry).

DASHApproved

Whole grain pseudocereal with high fiber, magnesium, and potassium. Low sodium, gluten-free. Good source of resistant starch. Supports cardiovascular health and blood pressure management.

ZoneCaution

Despite name, not wheat; pseudocereal with low glycemic index and good polyphenol content. One cup cooked ≈ 2 carb blocks. Favorable grain alternative but still requires portion control.

Pseudocereal with complete protein, high in polyphenols (especially rutin), and low glycemic index. Despite 'wheat' in name, gluten-free. Rich in resistant starch and fiber. Excellent anti-inflammatory properties.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

High fiber (4.5g per cooked cup), good protein (6g per cooked cup), low fat. Gluten-free, easy to digest, and has lower glycemic index than many grains. Nutrient-dense with minerals like magnesium. Portion-friendly and works well in small servings.

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus7.0Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Buckwheat

Vegan 9/10
  • Complete protein
  • Gluten-free
  • Whole food
  • High mineral content
Mediterranean 8/10
  • whole grain
  • complete protein
  • gluten-free
  • traditional use
Low-FODMAP 8/10
  • Not a true wheat grain
  • Low fructan content
  • Monash tested and approved
DASH 8/10
  • High fiber
  • Rich in magnesium and potassium
  • Low sodium
  • Gluten-free whole grain
Zone 6/10
  • Low glycemic index
  • Pseudocereal (not wheat)
  • Polyphenol-rich
  • Good fiber content
  • complete protein
  • high polyphenol content (rutin)
  • low glycemic index
  • gluten-free whole grain
  • high fiber
  • good protein content
  • low fat
  • gluten-free
  • low glycemic index