Quinoa: An In-Depth Guide to the Amazing Health Benefits, Uses, and Other Darned Interesting Facts of this Beloved Body Ecology "Grain"
Over 5000 years ago the Incas cultivated the grain-like seed quinoa as one of their staple crops.
Now science has shown that this humble "grain" is actually a super food! Quinoa is full of phytonutrients, antioxidants AND can even help balance your blood sugar.
As a result, people everywhere are discovering the benefits of quinoa, a delicious whole "grain" that is easy to digest, full of high quality protein and fiber, and can form the basis for delicious Body Ecology meals.
"Quin-WHAT?"
Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is not a grain; it is actually a seed and related to the spinach family. When cooked, quinoa is light, fluffy, slightly crunchy and subtly flavored. It actually cooks and tastes like a grain, making it an excellent replacement for grains that are difficult to digest or feed Candida (a systemic fungal infection).
But its flavor is only part of why quinoa is such an amazing "super grain."
Some of the nutrients in quinoa include:
Complete protein. Quinoa contains all 9 essential amino acids that are required by the body as building blocks for muscles.
Magnesium helps relax your muscles and blood vessels and effects blood pressure. Quinoa contains high levels of this vital nutrient.
Fiber. Quinoa is a wonderful way to ensure that you consume valuable fiber that eases elimination and tones your colon.
Manganese and copper. Quinoa is a good source of these minerals that act as antioxidants in your body to get rid of dangerous cancer and disease-causing substances.
Compared to other grains, quinoa is higher in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc than wheat, barley, or corn.2
Studies have shown that quinoa has documented health benefits too!
Quinoa, in its whole grain form, may be effective in preventing and treating these conditions: 3
- Atherosclerosis
- Breast cancer
- Diabetes
- Insulin resistance
Researchers attribute the health benefits of quinoa to its complete nutritional makeup.
Quinoa is close to one of the most complete foods in nature because it contains amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.
Quinoa: A Body Ecology Grain