Quinoa has been around since the time of Incas, three to four thousand years ago. According WHFoods, quinoa was considered as the “gold of the Incas” by the Incas because they believed that the quinoa can increase the stamina of their warriors. The Quinoa Corporation had called the dubbed quinoa as the “Supergrain of the Future”. Likewise, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations or FAO had declared 2013 as the “International Year of the Quinoa”. FAO had singled out Quinoa due to its high nutritive value. Below are 10 amazing quinoa benefits that you should know.
10 Amazing Quinoa Benefits
Quinoa Is Very Nutritious
Quinoa benefits come form its plenty nutritions. For every one cup of quinoa, it contains 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. One cup of quinoa also contains manganese, magnesium, folate, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, potassium and folate. It also has small amounts of vitamin E, vitamin B and few amounts of calcium. Smaller amounts of B3 and calcium are present in quinoa while some traces of omega-3 fatty acids are also found.
Quinoa Can Boost Healthy Digestion
Want to know "what is quinoa good for?" Well, it is good in boosting healthy digestion. If you suffer from digestion problems or constipation, you can eat quinoa. Eating quinoa can boost things to move along nicely. One serving of quinoa is very rich in dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
Quinoa Is Gluten-Free
Based on a survey report, one third of people in the United States are trying to avoid gluten. A diet without gluten is possible if you only eat foods that are naturally gluten free. Researchers have believed that quinoa is a suitable ingredient in a gluten free diet. Studies had shown that taking quinoa could increase the antioxidant value of the diet. It is a perfect substitute for oatmeal, wheat flour or pasta.
Quinoa Is Weight-Loss Friendly Food
To lose weight, you need to eat fewer calories that you need to burn and this is possible by boosting metabolism or decreasing your appetite. All these properties are found in quinoa. High protein levels found in quinoa are effective in increasing metabolism and decreasing appetite. Likewise, another quinoa benefit is its characteristic as weight-loss friendly food because it has fiber, which makes the feeling of fullness much longer.
Quinoa Is Rich with Antioxidants
Benefits of quinoa also include that it is a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known as substances, which can fight aging and diseases and can neutralize bad radicals. One study on the 10 foods which include cereals, pseudo cereals, legumes and quinoa shows it is the quinoa that has the highest content of antioxidants. Quinoa content level is 10 while cereals have 5, pseudo cereals have 3 and legumes only 2. The antioxidants of quinoa increase further after the seeds are sprouted.
Quinoa Is High in Protein
Another quinoa benefit also includes its rich amount of complete protein. Quinoa has lysine, a rare amino acid that is not normally found in other grains. Most plant foods do not contain lysine but quinoa is an exception. Quinoa is high in all essential amino acids, thus making it a better source of protein than other grains. Just a cup of quinoa can provide 8 grams of protein.
Quinoa Can Lessen Migraines
Do you suffer from nasty migraine attacks regularly? Migraine sufferers should include quinoa in their meal plan regularly because another quinoa benefits also include the high levels of riboflavin or also known as vitamin B2. Riboflavin can aid migraine sufferers. High levels of riboflavin or vitamin B2 boost the expansion of blood vessels in the brain, thus lessening instances of migraine attacks.
Quinoa Can Reduce Risk of Stroke and Heart Disease
Quinoa can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. Several health studies have proven it. Quinoa can comb the arterial walls. The fiber found in quinoa can remove plaque which if build up, can lead to stroke and heart attack if not removed immediately from the wall of the arteries.
Quinoa Can Reduce Blood Sugar Levels
Eating quinoa can reduce the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. If you already have diabetes, you can still benefit from regular intake of quinoa because it can balance your glucose levels. Quinoa is rich in complex carbohydrates or also known as healthy carbohydrates, which slowly digest and keep you satiated longer while maintaining blood sugar level.
Quinoa Is High Source of Minerals
Modern diet may lack some important nutrients, for example, like potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron for women. It is very fortunate that quinoa contains all these four important minerals. Quinoa is high in magnesium, one cup of quinoa is equivalent to 30% of the RDA. However, quinoa has phytic acid, which reduces the absorption of these minerals. To reduce phytic acid, soak the quinoa before cooking it.
View All Comments /Add Comment