Is it safe to eat raw buckwheat groats without soaking them?

[Anonymous]

I know there is some sort of acid the soaking helps get rid of so they are more easily digested. I have just been eating them raw right out of the bag mixed with almond milk and applesauce. Is that safe? I haven't had any digestive issues.

[Anonymous]

Probably safe for you, but I know what I'm going to have nightmares about.

Not sure why you would inflict this on yourself...

[Anonymous]

I'm confused. What is the issue with eating them raw without soaking?

[Anonymous]

bump

[Anonymous]

Usually you soak to help reduce the phytic acid.

Buckwheat contains a lot of the enzyme that breaks down phytic acid, phytase.

That being said, soaking, even a short time, would activate the enzyme.

You won't necessarily have distress eating the phytic acid, you just may absorb certain nutrients less efficiently.

[Anonymous]

Sorry.. PP here. Hit submit magically.

There is also some evidence that some phytic acid is beneficial, lessening risk for kidney stones, high cholesterol,

There are certainly worse sources of phytic acid than buckwheat, and many of them contain much less phytase. The biological reason for that is buckwheat is actually a fruit, and not a true nut/ grain.

If probably give buckwheat a short soak, but I also appreciate the nice crunchiness it gives. A 30 min soak for buckwheat is enough to rehydrate the grain, but you lose that awesomeness. There's certainly worse grains to risk your phytic acid load on by not soaking. Almonds are crazy high in phytic acid, but most people pop them without soaking, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry.. PP here. Hit submit magically.

There is also some evidence that some phytic acid is beneficial, lessening risk for kidney stones, high cholesterol,

There are certainly worse sources of phytic acid than buckwheat, and many of them contain much less phytase. The biological reason for that is buckwheat is actually a fruit, and not a true nut/ grain.

If probably give buckwheat a short soak, but I also appreciate the nice crunchiness it gives. A 30 min soak for buckwheat is enough to rehydrate the grain, but you lose that awesomeness. There's certainly worse grains to risk your phytic acid load on by not soaking. Almonds are crazy high in phytic acid, but most people pop them without soaking, right?

OP here. Thx so much for your response! Very helpful! I snack on raw almonds so hopefully this is NBD. I soaked the buckwheat groats this morning before consuming and I liked it better extra crunch right out of the bag (mixed with applesauce, etc).

[Anonymous]

does buckwheat help with fluid on the body by eating also instead of making the plaster

[Anonymous]

If I eat them even undercooked, I get diarrhea.

[Anonymous]

Test

[Anonymous]

For several years I have pulverized my Buckwheat in a coffee grinder and put a small teaspoon of the powder onto my cold cereal every day, along with many other raw seeds/nuts/dried berrie etc. I have not felt any ill-effects, but wonder if this is a healthy way to eat Buckwheat.