Love quinoa? Ancient Inca warriors believed quinoa increased their stamina, so it shouldn’t be surprising that modern-day nutritionists consider it a superfood.
While quinoa is actually a seed, it’s prepared and eaten much like rice and other grains.
Even for those trying to reduce their consumption of grains, quinoa may have a place with supplying energy and important macronutrients (e.g. protein, carbohydrates) and micronutrients (e.g. iron, manganese). Achieving balance is possible with quinoa.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE & HEALTH BENEFITS OF QUINOA
All three types of quinoa — red, black, and white — are essentially equivalent in their nutritional profile and notable health benefits.
Protein-rich Pseudograin.
Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, the building blocks of muscle tissue and catalysts important to many physiological processes.
As a protein-rich grain (8 grams per serving), quinoa is a terrific option for food combining for people following a vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free diet.
It’s “fibered” up!
There’s nearly twice as much fiber in quinoa compared to most other grains. Fiber plays a role in reducing risk factors for heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, and cancer.
Ironman Loves Quinoa.
It’s a bit of a fib, but go ahead and tell your kids that Ironman loves quinoa, precisely because it contains iron, which keeps our red blood cells healthy and carries oxygen throughout the body.
Energy Boost.
This may be another reason why Ironman loves quinoa: It’s high in vitamin B2 (riboflavin), which improves energy metabolism within the brain and muscles cells.
It’s also high in manganese, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Quinoa is such an easy to grow, tasty super-food, even NASA scientists have been studying it as a possible crop to be grown in outer space. Be sure to give it a try.
QUINOA PUDDING (DAIRY-FREE) RECIPE
Craving rice pudding? This dairy-free alternative pairs the health benefits of gluten-free quinoa with coconut, cinnamon and vanilla.
The result is a dish that even the choosiest of kids (or grown-ups) will enjoy for breakfast or as an after-dinner treat.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of coconut milk (or substitute almond milk)
- 1 cup of quinoa (preferably, organic)
- 1/3 cup of coconut nectar (or consider an alternative sweetener)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp of vanilla powder (or 2 tsp of extract)
- Diced or sliced fruit of choice (e.g., berries, apple, pear)
Directions
- Soak the quinoa in lukewarm water for 20 minutes; rinse and drain.
- Combine all ingredients into a medium-sized saucepan and bring to the boil.
- Once boiled, stir and reduce the heat to a low simmer.
- Allow to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring frequently throughout the given time. About 20-25 minutes into simmering, the quinoa will begin to swell and absorb the milk, creating a thick porridge texture.
- When the quinoa has thickened and turned transparent, serve with your favorite fruit.
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What’s your favorite reason to love quinoa? Share in the comments below!
References
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Gunnars, K. “11 Proven Health Benefits of Quinoa.” AuthorityNutrition.com Accessed 7 April 2017: https://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-benefits-of-quinoa/
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WorldsHealthiestFoods.com “What’s New and Beneficial about Quinoa?” Accessed 7 April 207: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=142
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Schlick, G. & Bubenheim, D.L., “NASA Technical Paper 3422: Quinoa: An Emerging Crop with Potential for CELSS”. Accessed 7 April 2017: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19940015664.pdf
Photo Credits
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Milleflore Images/bigstockphoto.com
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ALein/bigstockphoto.com
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