9 Things To Know About Quinoa
1. Very Nutritious
Quinoa is a grain crop that is grown for its edible seeds. It was an important crop for the Inca Empire back in the day. Referred to as the "mother of all grains" and believed to be sacred. There are three types of quinoa: white, red and black, and it has been consumed for thousands of years in South America, although it only became trendy and reached "superfood" status a few years ago.
2. Contains the plant compounds QUERCETIN and KAEMPFEROL
The health effects of quinoa go way beyond the vitamins and minerals we are all familiar with. It is high in minerals like Iron and Magnesium but there are thousands of trace nutrients in quinoa and some of hich are exremely healthy.
Quinoa contains falvonoids: plant antioxidants that have all sorts of beneficial effects on health. Two of the flavonoids are quercetin and kaempferol and they happen to be found in large amounts in quinoa. These molecules have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer and anti-depressant effects.
3. Very high in Fiber - higher than most grains
Soluble fiber like quinoa can help reduce blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, increase fullness and help in weight loss.
4. Gluten-free
Gluten-free diet can be healthy as long as it is based on foods that are naturally gluten-free like quinoa.
5. Very high in Protein with all the Essential Amino Acids
Protein is made out of amino acids. Essential amino acids are ones we cannot produce on our own and need to get them from diet. If a food contains all the essential amino acids, it is considered a "complete protein". Quinoa contains all essential amino acids. It is an excellent source of protein. It has more and better protein than most grains.
6. Low Glycemic Index which is good for blood sugar control
Glycemic index is a measure of how quickly food raises blood sugar levels. Quinoa has a glycemic index of 53, which is considered low. One human study found that quinoa significantly reduced blood sugar, insulin and triglyceride levels
7. Very high in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals and are believed to help fight aging and many diseases.
8. Help in Weight loss
Quinoa has properties that boost metabolism or reducing appetite.
9. Easy to incorporate into diet
Quinoa is tasty when prepared the right way and it can go well with many foods, it is an excellent rice substitute especially for us rice-eating Filipinos. Quinoa may be served as a grain simply by removing the bitter outer coating, called saponin, and boiling the seeds in water for about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, the seeds become transparent with tiny white bands circling across the midsection and grow to three times their original size. The seed can even be popped like popcorn; a product called Kokitos is very popular with Peruvian children.
