The Superfoods Guide

Quinoa is an ancient, South American grain that has recently become popular around the United States. The only big shock to anyone is that we have not heard about this nutritious food sooner. Here is a little historical tidbit for you. Quinoa was revered by the ancient Inca in Peu. That’s not unexpected since it sustained them for over five thousand years.

This grain is a complete protein which is one of the factors why it has been used for such a period of time. This means that it has all the amino acids we require; including one named lysine. Oddly enough quinoa is full of this essential nutrient. Our bodies need many different amino acids, the building blocks of proteins to build and maintain muscle mass. Today most of us get protein from meat and dairy foods. Only a handful of grains and other plant based foods contain all the various types of protein blocks we need. That’s why quinoa is deemed a super food and is also often called the mother grain.

But it doesn’t end there, this ancient grain just happens to be low in cholesterol and sodium while providing a good amount of dietary fiber. Quinoa is also full of Thiamin, Riboflavin, Folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Niacine, Iron, Magnesium, Phosperous, and Manganese. In other words is full of essential vitamins and minerals at the same time still being remarkably low in calories. It’s no wonder that it’s a superfood.

Since quinoa grain is packed with healthy fiber and protein and low in fat at the same time, it’s a great food to incorporate into virtually any fat loss program. You can make it instead of rice, potatoes, pasta and other white starches. It’s healthier and you won’t have to fret about sugar cravings later.

Not only is quinoa a very versatile grain – you can make breads, puddings, and pilaf like side dishes out of it or just serve it like a breakfast porridge – it is also gluten free, making it a great option for anyone struggling with celiac disease. It’s also delicious on salads and gives a plain old plate of lettuce and vegetables some extra texture and flavor.

But why would you want to eat it? Here are some of the benefits that speak for integrating this super food into your diet It can help remove harmful free radicals from your body through the antioxidants that can be found it it and is also good for your heart. It also contains quite a big of lignans which help protect your heart. To top it all off, it’s a whole grain which is the type of food we could all use more of in our diets. No wonder it is considered so good for you.

Ready to make some tasty food with this ancient grain? Take this easy quinoa muffins recipe for example. Quinoa is also a gluten free grain, making it ideal for anybody living a gluten-free way of life. As are these tasty gluten free oatmeal cookies you shouldn’t miss.

Tags: diet, gluten free, health, Nutrition, quinoa nutrition