Health Benefits and Drawbacks of Soba Noodles You Probably Didn't Know | Livestrong.com (2024)

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Health Benefits and Drawbacks of Soba Noodles You Probably Didn't Know | Livestrong.com? ›

"Soba noodles have less calories more fiber and more protein than traditional pasta, so it won't spike your blood sugar," say Rich and Shapiro. "Traditional pasta, is made out of refined flour and tends to be higher in calories, sugars and carbohydrates." Soba noodles offer a lower-cal alternative to wheat pasta.

Soba noodles are good for your health because they are gluten-free, high in flavonoids, and help balance your blood sugar. Soba noodles are a Japanese alternative to regular pasta. They're mostly made with buckwheat flour, which is both gluten-free and full of healthy proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Soba noodles offer anti-inflammatory benefits

Additionally, buckwheat is linked to positive heart health benefits.

Buckwheat's beneficial effects are due in part to its rich supply of flavonoids, particularly “Rutin”. Rutin helps reduce LDL (BAD) cholesterol, which is linked with heart disease conditions and promotes the generation of HDL (GOOD) cholesterol, which improves your cardio health.

But plain Japanese somen noodles carry 280 mg sodium per cup, without the salted broth they're usually served in. Even worse: seasoned ramen noodles, at 1,434 mg per package. Switch to soba noodles, at only 68 mg per serving.

Buckwheat may support heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. It's also thought to have anti-inflammatory effects in your body. Buckwheat's flavonoid content is thought to be partially responsible.

Buckwheat has a high mineral and antioxidant content, resulting in several health benefits. Buckwheat contains more protein than rice and has higher essential amino acids, including lysine and arginine (essential for children). Buckwheat is gluten-free, hence safe for people with a gluten allergy or celiac disease.

Unless someone is allergic to buckwheat, people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can eat buckwheat produced in a facility free of gluten safely. Allergies to latex or other foods, including rice: Some people who are allergic to rice might also become allergic to buckwheat.

Soba noodles have a high glycemic load of 22, which means they can have a significant effect on your blood sugar levels. The Harvard School of Public Health recommends limiting foods with a high glycemic load, and instead opting for lower-GL foods like beans and whole grains, including whole-grain pasta.

Indeed, several preclinical and clinical studies suggest that these agents have potential for arthritis treatment. As a result, buckwheat is accepted as a functional food, suggested to improve human health and is used in the treatment of diseases. Buckwheat phenolic metabolites in health and disease.

Are buckwheat and soba noodles the same? ›

Soba noodles are made from buckwheat and are enjoyed for their nutty flavor and pleasant nodogoshi (chew). Despite its English name, buckwheat is technically not a wheat but rather a pseudo grain related to the rhubarb plant. The seeds produce a creamy and nutty flour that makes the most delicious noodles.

Researchers in Canada have found new evidence that buckwheat, a grain used in making pancakes and soba noodles, may be beneficial in the management of diabetes.

With its wholegrain like appearance and buckwheat heavy base, Soba is the healthier choice when it comes to your Asian noodle game. This is because buckwheat is lower in carbohydrates and lower in calories so it's a good choice for those trying to cut back.

Buckwheat has a lower glycemic index (GI) than some other carbohydrate-rich foods, meaning that it may affect your blood sugar less. This may especially be of benefit if you have blood sugar concerns or diabetes ( 11 , 12 , 13 ).

Soba noodles can be enjoyed both hot and cold. “In Kyoto, the most traditional way of eating soba noodles is seiro,” says Inaoka. “The plain buckwheat noodles are served cold with wasabi, Japanese green onions and a dipping sauce on the side, which is usually made with dashi and soy sauce.

Udon, being made primarily from wheat flour, is a good source of carbohydrates, while Soba, made from buckwheat, is a good source of protein and fibre. Buckwheat is also typically gluten-free, making Soba a suitable option for people with gluten intolerance, while Udon noodles contain gluten.

03/4​Are Soba noodles healthy? Buckwheat is packed with the goodness of healthy protein, which makes it great for people who are trying to lose weight and gain healthy muscle weight. Buckwheat is a good source of Amino acid lysine, which is the healthiest form of plant-based protein.

There are many regional varieties of soba with their own toppings as well. For example, "Kitsune Soba" features deep-fried tofu. Note: Lower in calories, Soba Noodles are healthier than Udon or Ramen Noodles!

Soba noodles bring good luck in longevity because they are long and thin, the easily broken noodles cut ties from the passing year's ill luck, and soba attracts money since gold leaf craftsmen use sticky soba gaki to collect tiny specs of gold dust.