Celebrating National Pancake Week, we're flipping for pancakes—the quintessential breakfast favorite. This week is all about experimenting with new flavors and ingredients to discover healthier ways to indulge in this versatile treat.
In the spirit of American Heart Month, we're especially excited to introduce our own healthy spin: just better.® Heart Happy Buckwheat Pancakes!
Pancakes often carry the unfortunate stigma of being a 'naughty' breakfast choice, primarily due to the processed mixes that dominate grocery shelves —not to mention the sugary toppings we often gravitate toward.
Pancake mixes are typically loaded with sugars, unhealthy additives, and refined flours that are anything but friendly to your body.
We think the narrative around pancakes is ready for a delicious rewrite.
The secret to healthier pancakes is making them yourself from scratch! And it all starts with selecting the right grains. This is where the mighty buckwheat makes its grand entrance. Far from your average grain, buckwheat is a nutritional titan that turns the humble pancake from a guilty pleasure into a heart-smart addition to your meal plan.
Buckwheat truly dazzles with its extraordinary nutrient composition, brimming with elements vital for heart health, such as rutin, magnesium, copper, fiber, and distinctively beneficial proteins.
At the heart of buckwheat's nutritional arsenal is rutin, an antioxidant that commands attention for its profound health benefits. Rutin is a superhero in the world of antioxidants, celebrated for its ability to strengthen blood vessels, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
It works by inhibiting the aggregation of platelets, thereby reducing blood clot formation, and has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels, protecting against atherosclerosis.
But the wonders of buckwheat don't stop at rutin. Magnesium, another star nutrient found in buckwheat, plays a critical role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including those involved in the regulation of blood pressure and heart rhythm.
Copper, vital for maintaining healthy blood vessels, nerves, immune system, and bones, is present in buckwheat in significant amounts, further contributing to its heart-healthy profile.
The unique proteins in buckwheat, including amino acids like lysine and arginine, offer additional cardiovascular benefits by supporting endothelial function and preventing inflammation.
Buckwheat's fiber content deserves a spotlight of its own, offering a trifecta of benefits: it supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and plays a role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. To amplify these advantages in our Heart Happy Buckwheat Pancakes, we've enriched them with just better.® Prebiotic Fiber, taking the fiber factor to the next level.
When buckwheat becomes a staple in your pancake recipe, you're enjoying a nutrient-rich feast that supports heart and gut health, enhances vascular function, and satisfies your taste buds in every bite. Now, let’s cook!
Heart Happy Buckwheat Pancakes
Ingredients:
1 cup buckwheat flour
¼ cup just better.® Prebiotic Fiber
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup unsweetened nut or oat milk
2 large eggs
¼ cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the buckwheat flour, just better.® Prebiotic Fiber, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly and then mix in the unsweetened nut or oat milk, maple syrup, avocado oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the pancakes fluffy.
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush lightly with avocado oil.
Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet.
Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
Flip carefully and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side or until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions: Upgrade your Heart Happy Buckwheat Pancakes with fresh or frozen berries, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup for added sweetness. These toppings complement the pancakes' heart-healthy profile and add a burst of flavor.
If you found our Heart Happy Buckwheat Pancake recipe intriguing, why not share the love? Pass this recipe along to your breakfast buddies and start your day with a meal that's good for the heart and soul. Here's to delicious, nutritious mornings!
Looking to deepen your understanding of how a healthy gut can lead to a stronger heart? Read our companion blog, Is Your Gut the Key to a Stronger Heart? Action Plan For Heart Health.
This insightful piece offers a comprehensive action plan for enhancing heart health through gut wellness, emphasizing the powerful connection between the two. Discover practical tips and gain a better understanding of the role fiber plays in supporting both gut and heart health. It's a must-read for anyone committed to a holistic approach to well-being. Don't miss out on unlocking the secrets to a healthier heart and a happier gut! [Go Here!]
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