The ancient Incan grain Quiona has recently made it’s way into the US and is rapidly gaining popularity. The only big surprise to anyone is that we have not heard about this nutritious food sooner. As a side note, you may be interested to learn that the Inca called Quinoa the “Mother Grain”. Not only was it a staple of their diet for ages, it was also thought of as a sacred, god-like plant.
One of the reasons why it has always been so popular is the fact that it is full of protein. It contains all essential amino acids our bodies need including lysine. Quinoa frankly has plenty of this essential amino acid. The reason we need amino acids is that proteins are comprised of them and your body needs them to make and maintain muscle tissue. In our current diet, we get nearly all of our protein from animal products. Only a few grains and other plant based foods contain all the different types of protein blocks we need. This is why quinoa is deemed a super food and is also often called the mother grain.
Being low in cholesterol and sodium as well as providing a lot of soluble fiber is another big reason why giving this old grain a try may be a great idea. Quinoa is also full of Thiamin, Riboflavin, Folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Niacine, Iron, Magnesium, Phosperous, and Manganese. All those nutrients make it a very nutritious wholegrain option that also actually is low-calorie. I am not shocked it made the “Super Food” list.
With all that fiber and protein, it is a great food to include when you are trying to lose some fat since both of those nutrients help keep you full longer. Try having it instead of high-carb foods like pasta and white rice. Not only is it much better, it also won’t impact your blood sugar levels as much which helps keep down hankerings later.
Not only is quinoa a very versatile grain - you can make breads, puddings, and pilaf like side dishes out of it or just serve it like a breakfast porridge - it is also gluten free, making it a great option for anyone suffering from celiac disease. Cooked quinoa can also be added to salads to give it some crunch and nutty flavor in addition to making the salad more filling.
But why would you want to eat it? Here’s why you should give quinoa a serious chance as a grain in your healthy eating plan It can help take out harmful free radicals from your body through the antioxidants that can be found it it and is also good for your heart. Lignans can also be found in quinoa which are said to protect your heart from damage and keep it strong. To top it all off, it’s a whole grain which is the type of food we could all use more of in our diets. No wonder it is considered so healthy for you.
Ready to make some delicious food with this ancient grain? Take this easy quinoa muffins recipe for example. Quinoa is also a gluten free food, making it perfect for anybody living a gluten-free lifestyle. As are these scrumptious gluten free oatmeal cookies you can’t miss.
Read More About: Quinoa Nutrition Facts - This Is Just What Helps It Be Such A Healthy Food
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