Mar. 30, 2011
The Health Benefits of Quinoa
Quinoa (pronounced ‘keen-wah’) is a grain-like seed which comes from South America and was considered one of the most sacred foods of the Incas, who called it ‘chesiya Mama’ which means ‘The Mother Grain’. Quinoa is now readily available in health food shops and larger supermarkets and boasts a host of health benefits.
Quinoa is a ‘complete protein’ and contains all eight essential amino acids (Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine). Our bodies are not able to make these amino acids, so it is essential that we get them from the food we eat of supplements, by incorporating Quinoa into your diet you will be getting a dose of all eight! Quinoa is gluten free and suitable for vegans, offering a great replacement for meat and dairy protein. Quinoa is also rich in Omega 3,6 and 9.
Quinoa is also a good source of manganese, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorous which means it can be helpful to people who suffer from migraines, diabetes and atherosclerosis (ASVD/arteriosclerotic vascular disease). Studies have shown Quinoa can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart attack and promote cardio vascular health, and can help protect against breast cancer. The list of health benefits continues with Gallstone Prevention, protection against childhood asthma, heart diseases and diabetes. Although Quinoa is actually a seed, it carries all the benefits of eating whole-grains.
Even better news about Quinoa is that it is really easy to incorporate into your diet. It can be prepared as a cereal or porridge for breakfast, eaten hot or cold as part of a salad, sprouted and eaten raw and used to replace rice, pasta, cous cous and potatoes as an accompaniment to your usual meat or fish dish. You can add it to soup, stew and stir-fries to bulk up the content, and it tastes great with fruits and savoury spices alike.
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