7 Health Benefits of Quinoa

Have you ever imagined that some seeds, also considered whole grains, can offer a ton of health and weight loss benefits? Yes it is possible, quinoa gives you all of these benefits. It's considered great food by some. Adding quinoa to your diet can change you in amazing ways.

About 5000 years ago, high in the Andes Mountains, the Incas began growing quinoa as one of their staple foods because they believed that it gave their warriors strength and endurance.

While quinoa is usually thought of as a whole grain, it is actually a seed, but it can be prepared like whole grains like rice and barley. Quinoa has the highest protein content of all whole grain products and is therefore perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Quinoa is a gluten- and cholesterol-free whole grain product and almost always organic.

Check out the detailed 7 health benefits of quinoa

1. Quinoa is one of the most protein-rich foods we can eat: it is a complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids.

2. Quinoa contains almost twice as much fiber as most other grains: fiber is known to relieve constipation. It also helps prevent heart disease by lowering high blood pressure and diabetes. It helps in shedding extra pounds.

3. Quinoa contains iron: Iron helps keep our red blood cells healthy and is the basis for hemoglobin formation. Iron also increases brain function as the brain absorbs about 20% of our blood oxygen.

4. Quinoa contains lysine: Lysine is primarily important for tissue growth and repair.

5. Quinoa is rich in magnesium: Magnesium helps relax blood vessels and relieve migraines. Magnesium also reduces type 2 diabetes by promoting healthy blood sugar levels.

6. Quinoa is rich in riboflavin (B2): B2 improves energy metabolism in brain and muscle cells and is known to ensure proper energy production in cells.

7. Quinoa is high in manganese: Manganese is an antioxidant that helps prevent damage to mitochondria during energy production and protects red blood cells and other cells from free radical damage.

Nutritional content of quinoa

Has 1/3 cup of cooked quinoa

Calories: 160

Fat: 2.5 g

Fiber: 3 g

Protein: 6 g

How to cook quinoa

Prepare quinoa like rice. Cover with water and cook until soft for about 15 minutes. Or add 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water in the rice cooker.

You can easily find many recipes on the internet, so add this nutritious and healthy grain to your diet.

Since it is high in protein and gluten, it can be added to any vegetarian or vegan diet.

It tastes wonderful, and its delicate texture has made it a popular substitute for starchy pasta and rice. Quinoa can be eaten with curry, grilled vegetables, or braised meat. In its roasted form, it can be added to salads or yogurt fruit snacks.

This is what it looks like when cooking –

Basic quinoa facts

How much cooked quinoa makes 1 cup of dry quinoa?

1 cup of dry quinoa makes about 3 cups of cooked quinoa.

How do I make quinoa less bitter?

Almost, if not all natural; The bitterness of the outer coating of quinoa can be removed by vigorously rinsing it in a mesh strainer.

How do I make better tasting quinoa?

Quinoa is really excellent when cooked with vegetable or chicken broth. Also add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to each cup of dried quinoa as you cook. Also, try adding other spice flavors while cooking.

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