Quinoa has been touted as 'the future' of the food industry. We hear about quinoa on a daily basis and the benefits it can provide for those in search of a healthier lifestyle. If you are looking to live lighter, clearer, and happier--quinoa is an easy way to do just that!

What is Quinoa -

Quinoa is a plant-based protein and fiber rich food that is easy to prepare, vegan, gluten-free, organic, and has a unique nutty flavor. Quinoa is a seed that sprouts and is harvested like any other plant. There are different varieties that may yield bluer or redder pigments. The benefits of this food come from its high-quality protein, carbohydrate content, phytonutrients, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium. Quinoa has been grown for around 5000 years in the Andean mountains in South America.

What are the health benefits of eating Quinoa -

Quinoa is high in protein content since it contains all nine of the essential amino acids. Additionally, quinoa has a good amount of cholesterol-lowering fiber and a low glycemic index. These qualities make it an appropriate and healthy food for anyone at any time during the day. Researchers still don’t know how to account for the protein content and its high antioxidant levels, but it is well documented that quinoa provides an abundant amount of nutrients needed for human health. Moreover, quinoa is considered a palatable food that can be found in different varieties depending on where one purchases it. In addition, it can be prepared in many different ways depending on purchase or preference: such as boiled, steamed, fried or baked. The slow pace of cooking is another benefits. All you have to do is add water, instead of chicken broth or rice, and wait around 15-20 minutes for the quinoa to cook with no stirring necessary. The anti-inflammatory properties of Quinoa also make it beneficial for those who suffer from digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome too.

How do you pronounce it?

The word “quinoa” comes from the South American Quechua name that is translated to mean “mother grain.” It is pronounced with a short-a sound as if you are saying “keen-wah.” 

How to cook Quinoa -

To cook quinoa all you need to do is toast the quinoa until it's lightly browned and then cover with water, salt or tamari sauce. Bring to a boil then lower heat for about 15 minutes or until the water has been fully absorbed into the growing quinoa granules.

Benefits of quinoa and benefits of plant based protein -

Quinoa has a lot of benefits. It's a nutrient-rich super food and can be used as a protein-rich addition in place of meat to create a nutritious, delicious meal. It's also gluten free and is low in calories and carbs which means that it's great for weight loss or people with diabetes. Plant-based protein is also healthy because it contains all the amino acids but only takes seconds to cook up, making it an easy snack compared to complicated proteins like tempeh or beans.

Can Quinoa be substituted for rice?

Quinoa is also closely related to red and white rice. However, unlike these grains of rice, quinoa is gluten-free, high in protein and nutrients, and high in antioxidants. One function of polyphenols is their ability to act as antioxidants - they help scavengers that seek out free radicals roam the body. Quinoa is a member of the 'Go Green' team because it has leaves that are similar to weeds.

The Bottom Line :

The fiber, protein and minerals in Quinoa make it a healthy diet addition. It can also be used as an alternative to wheat or corn products in recipes because it has a nutty flavor that most people enjoy.