Why is quinoa going strong as a health food trend?
Compared to oats, this ancient food has twice the amount of protein, with more fiber and iron.
Your body needs protein to repair cells and create new ones. It’s essential for growth and development during childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy.
Quinoa is one of the best replacements for rice and other high-carb, low-protein grains. It also contains a lot of potassium, which is perfect for muscle building, keeping a regular heartbeat, and other various bodily functions. The antioxidants in quinoa is great at preventing cell damage while promoting disease prevention, healing, and slowing the aging process.
It is ideal for people who have Celiac disease because quinoa doesn’t contain gluten. It has loads of heart-healthy fats boosting your good cholesterol.
Here’s what you don’t know:
Quinoa is edible seeds of a grain crop called goosefoot. It’s closely related to spinach and beets rather than grains.
Eating rice makes you feel you’re fueling up on protein and other nutrients, but most grains lack the amino acids isoleucine and lysine. You have to combine grains with legumes to get the full spectrum of amino acids. Fortunately, quinoa contains all the amino acids your body needs.
So why is quinoa called a “grain?”
Chisaya mama, or mother of grains, is another name for quinoa. It was sacred to South American people because it could withstand intense droughts and hot summers, unlike any other crop. People harvest quinoa before winter, the time when humans need fat and protein the most.
Fat and Quinoa
Surprisingly, quinoa has more fat than any other grass type. Its monounsaturated fat, and ALA (alpha-linoleic acid) or omega-3 acid protects the heart. These fat types are incapable of undergoing oxidation because of quinoa’s high amount of antioxidants.
Quinoa And Magnesium
Quinoa works to relax blood vessels because it’s rich in magnesium. This alleviates migraines and helps reduce type 2 diabetes by controlling your blood sugar levels. Your body needs magnesium for the transmission of nerve impulses, detoxification, body temperature regulation, energy production, and the formation of healthy teeth and bones.
Start eating quinoa today!
Aimee Harris-Newon, Psy.D., D.A.B.P.S., C.Ht