MINERAL NUTRIENT CONTENT OF BUCKWHEAT (FAGOPYRUM ESCULENTUM MOENCH) FOR NUTRITIONAL SECURITY IN NEPAL

Abstract

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) is grown primarily to produce grains for human consumption because of its nutritive and health promoting value. Buckwheat is the sixth staple food after rice, wheat, maize, finger millet and barley in Nepal. This study principally focuses on the mineral nutrient content of buckwheat and their role in human health and nutrition. Buckwheat is used as basic food, animal feed, vegetable, soup, beverage and medicine. It is rich source of proteins, starch, antioxidants, dietary fibre and trace elements. It is rich in minerals like Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, K, Na, Ca and Mg. It is rich in fats, flavonoid and vitamin especially B groups. Buckwheat proteins contain amino acid which is well balanced and is of a high biological value. Buckwheat is rich source of rutin. The high level of rutin is extracted from the leaves for medicine to treat high blood pressure. This review serves as a useful tool to researchers and nutritionist who are working in food and nutritional security in Nepal.