Pseudocereals, such as buckwheat, amaranth and quinoa, are broadleaf
plants whose seeds have a gross structural anatomy and culinary appli-
cations akin to those of the grains of (true) cereals. Indeed, they are pro-
moted as alternatives to the more familiar cereals, especially ones
containing gluten, and are being increasingly sought as ingredients in
bakery items and other commercial food products. Pseudocereals are also
garnering attention on websites and in the popular press where they are
lauded as ‘superfoods’ on the basis of their nutritional credentials, espe-
cially the presence of unique antioxidant compounds, and many presumed
health benefits.
But the claims are overstated and not well grounded in evidence. Indi-
vidual differences aside, the nutrient profile of most pseudocereals and
conventional cereals is not markedly different. Both are rich in essential
minerals and B group vitamins. The germ and outer layers of grains from
both groups of cereals are also abundant in dietary fibre, phenolics and
other bioactives, although fibre diversity tends to be greater for cereals.
Typically, processed pseudocereal and cereal grain products contain little
resistant starch and have moderate to high glycaemic indices.
Whereas the evidence linking regular consumption of wholegrain cereals
and cereal fibre with reduced risk of several major diseases is well docu-
mented, there is little empirical data on the health benefits of