Quinoa dates back thousands of years as a staple of the Incas in the Andes region of South America where it was their staple food for more than 5,000 years. It was dubbed “The Gold of the Incas” and the “Mother Seed” for providing stamina and strength for their warriors. Looking at it today, they were probably right as it is being touted a super food and super grain.
True enough, if you’ve been researching healthy foods to boost your diet, then you may have come across quinoa. Many experts recommend this healthy wonder grain because of its nutritional content.
Unlike most cereals, quinoa is actually a form of edible seed and is related to spinach and beetroots instead. So, what’s in quinoa that makes it a popular health food, and why is it a great addition to any diet?
#1 Rich in Protein
Quinoa is rich in protein. It contains at least nine essential amino acids, making it one of the most protein-rich foods that we can eat. Dietitians state that the protein found in quinoa is almost equal to that found in milk, but it has more protein than rice at 7.5%, millet at 9.9% and wheat at 14%.
#2 More Fiber Than Other Grains
Quinoa has at least twice the fiber found in other grains. Fiber is a very important part of any diet as it aids digestion, lowers the chances of constipation, prevents heart disease, improves diabetes and lowers high blood pressure.
Fiber is also responsible for regulating glucose and cholesterol levels, thus allowing you to avoid ailments such as hemorrhoids and obesity. If you’re looking to lose weight, quinoa is as excellent choice as a source of fiber because it aids your digestion and makes you feel full for a longer time.
#3 Promotes Tissue Growth
Quinoa contains lysine, which is responsible for the repair of tissues and its growth. If you are pairing diet with exercise, lysine is essential because it repairs any muscle injury that you may have.
#4 Excellent Source Of Iron
Quinoa is an excellent source of iron. Iron is the vitamin that produces healthy red blood cells, and is also responsible for the creation of hemoglobin. Iron carries oxygen from one cell to another, thus supplying our body with oxygen.
It is also responsible for regulating body temperature, neurotransmitter synthesis, and increases brain function and stimulation of enzyme activity. Those suffering from anemia may find that quinoa will raise the amount of RBC found in their system.
#5 Gives You Magnesium
Quinoa is filled with magnesium, which is an element that relaxes blood vessels, thereby helping you to avoid migraines and headaches. Magnesium is also an excellent way to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes by lowering your blood sugar. It is also a great way to control your body’s temperature, detoxify your body from free radicals and produce sufficient energy for you to perform your daily tasks.
#6 It’s A Smart Carb
Many diets say no to carbs, but quinoa is actually a smart kind of carb that has a very low glycemic index, so it does not spike your blood sugar levels. Another plus: ¼ cup of dry quinoa only contains 172 calories, most of which come from complex carbohydrates, healthy fat and fiber.
#7 It’s Versatile and Easy To Cook
Aside from these nutrients mentioned above, quinoa tastes great, even if you eat it on its own. Some recipes simply call for sea salt, lemon juice and olive oil, and then you’re done! It is also very easy to cook, taking only around 10 to 15 minutes to do so.
It is gluten free, is kosher and most varieties you’ll find in your market are always organic. It is also a very versatile food that can be served as a cereal for breakfast, as a salad or as a side, and goes well with various meats, fish and vegetables
Safety Tips
While highly nutritious, quinoa is coated with a toxic chemical called saponin, so you should rinse the grain thoroughly before cooking it. While commercially available quinoa may have gone through cleaning methods that remove saponins, it is still recommended that you rinse it again.
While it is a super food, it is still recommended that you have a variety of grains in your diet – so eat it regularly, but not necessarily every day. Having it for several meals a week is good enough already.
We’d love to hear from you: Do you eat quinoa? What are your favorite quinoa recipes? Feel free to share in the comments below!
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