Of late, one plant food is having health enthusiasts buzzing around like little kids at a carnival! No people, it’s not the paleo diet. The new craze that’s hit the market is Quinoa. In fact, it’s one of the most popular health foods around, and is now gaining a considerable cult following.
So what is Quinoa? Perhaps it might have been mentioned by a colleague today at lunch. Well, this is a high-protein, gluten-free plant that’s packed with the 9 most essential amino acids that every human being should have. Furthermore, it’s high in fibre, and contains beneficial antioxidants, as well as minerals such as magnesium, iron; the list practically goes on and on!
That being said, here are the top benefits of consuming Quinoa.
Highly Nutritious
Quinoa is a grain crop that is grown specifically for its edible seeds. In other words, it’s a pseudo-cereal. The crop has its origins in the Inca Empire, and was believed to be sacred back in the day. Although it has been consumed by South Americans for thousands of years, it only just recently achieved superfood status a couple of years back. There are three main types of Quinoa; that is, red, white and black.
One cup serving of Quinoa is approximately 185 grams; translating to about 222 calories. The composition breaks down to about 4 grams of fat and 39 grams of carbs. There is also a small presence of omega-3 fatty acids.
Quinoa’s health and nutritional benefits are so numerous that NASA had considered it the main crop for growth and cultivation in outer space. It is also considered by the United Nations to have serious potential to provide food security for the whole world.
Contains dosed with Quercetin and Kaempferol
Plants have special molecules known as flavonoids found to contain antioxidant features.
The two particular flavonoids found in Quinoa are quercetin and kaempferol. Studies show that these molecules are known to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-depressant effects.
Rich In Fibre
Another nutritional benefit of Quinoa is that it is rich in fibre. In fact, one study carried out observed that in 4 varieties of Quinoa, the fibre component in them ranged between 10 to 16 grams in every 100 grams.
That’s roughly about 12-26 grams in one cup! Which is pretty high, and twice as high as that found in most grains. On the other hand, boiled quinoa contains a lesser concentration of fibre because it absorbs plenty of water.
Gluten-free
By now, a majority of people have realized the dangers associated with a gluten-rich diet. In fact, it’s essential that one tries as much as they can to minimize their gluten intake, or avoid it altogether.
A gluten-free diet can be extremely healthy; especially if it contains foods that are gluten-free in nature.
Natural gluten-free substitute
The problem arises when people attempt to consume ‘gluten-free’ foods derived from refined starches as substitutes. Honestly, such foods are no healthier than their gluten-rich counterparts!
However, by using quinoa as a substitute to the regular gluten-free ingredients like potatoes, rice flour and corn, the antioxidant and nutrient value of the diet increases dramatically. Thus, preventing gluten-based complications. This can help you live a healthy lifestyle, which you can find out more about at lighthousenewsdaily.com
In a nutshell, quinoa is considered one of the most nutritious and healthiest foods on the planet. One that ought to be a serious consideration for anyone looking to maintain an optimal lifestyle.
