Well, these teeny-tiny, bead-shaped grains are famous for of its high nutritive value. It might not be a commonly heard household name yet, but the future looks promising.
Quinoa is a pseudo-cereal which is native to Bolivia and is closely related to spinach, beetroot and Swiss chard- sure you didn’t know that! It comes in black, white and red varieties and of course, it is a powerhouse of nutrients. The fibre content in quinoa is much higher (almost double!) than many other cereals. It is also a complete protein with all the nine essential amino acids- unlike rice or wheat. This super-grain is not only high in nutrients but is also delightfully lip-smacking. To add to its virtue, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, which makes it a boon for celiacs. Due to its myriad health benefits, the United Nations had declared the year 2013 as ‘The International year of Quinoa’.
Health benefits:
- - Weight management: The slightly chewy texture requires a longer time to nibble. The high fibre content keeps you full for a longer time and also keeps those hunger pangs away.
- - Digestive health: Fibre from quinoa helps fight constipation and other digestive problems.
- - Immune-booster: Quinoa is loaded with bioactive substances like quercetin and kaempferol which show anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It is also a rich source of many trace elements which strengthen the immune response.
- - Suitable for diabetics: Quinoa has a low glycemic index which prevents blood sugar spikes.
- - Alleviates migraines: Quinoa is rich in riboflavin and magnesium which help in dilating blood vessels, thus providing relief from frequent headaches and migraines.
- - Heart health: Quinoa delivers iron which forms a major component of hemoglobin responsible for providing oxygen throughout the body. It also helps in controlling blood pressure and protects for inflammatory conditions.
Well, with so many benefits of this superfood one would definitely want to include it in our daily diet. And doing this is not at all difficult. Quinoa can be a healthy substitute for all the rice based recipes. Its soft texture and nutty flavor add to the punch. It is ideal for making salads, porridges, soups or just any other recipe you wish for. Toss some quinoa into your smoothie or substitute your regular oatmeal with it. There can be unending variations.
Another exciting thing that you can do is with the quinoa flour. It is actually a superb choice for all those who are looking to give that healthy twist to their baked goodies and pan-fried grub. It can be used in all your beloved recipes. Be it bread, pancakes, waffles, muffins or cookies (yes, all of them!!), quinoa flour works very well. It also imparts its peculiar earthy flavour to your baked goods. It can also be mixed with other gluten-free flours to make your own gluten-free
flour mix. The possibilities are limitless.
Go, grab you the pack of quinoa today!