Health Benefits of Quinoa

Quinoa(pronounced as: Kween-wah) is one of the healthiest grains that has been under the covers for hundreds of years. It was until it was rediscovered by two Americans back in the 80’s after about 500 years when the Spanish first imposed their culture to the Incas (They started growing it in Colorado). For 5,000 years, it was the natives’ staple food. It was because isolated Incan farmers in Andes were able to hide growing quinoa that we’re able to lay our eyes on this “super crop”. The Indian natives of the Andes Mountains in Peru and Bolivia considers the crop to be sacred and a gift from the gods and the seeds were worth more than gold.

Today, this super-healthy grain is slowly gaining popularity; even as a substitute to other grains such as rice and millet. It’s been popularly added to salads and new quinoa recipes come out every now and then. In the near future, we might even be replacing wheat flour with quinoa flour in most of the breads baked in the world! I’d love to see that happen. It really might, and if it does we should learn of the benefits we can get from quinoa.

Benefits of Quinoa (Herrington, D. 2013)

1. High in protein -- its protein balance is similar to milk and has more protein compared to rice, millet or wheat.
2. A good source of riboflavin -- riboflavin helps reduce the frequency attacks in migraine sufferers by improving the energy metabolism within the brain and muscle cells.
3. The saponins from quinoa are used to promote healing of skin injuries in South America, making it a good antiseptic.
4. It's alkaline-forming. Although it is not strongly alkaline-forming, it is comparable to wild rice, amaranth, and sprouted grains.
5. It only has 172 calories per ¼ cup dry quinoa.
6. Since it is not related to wheat or grain, it's gluten-free. Millions are discovering they feel better and lose weight when they reduce gluten grains or at least wheat products.
7. It is a complex carbohydrate with low glycemic index. This is again good for weight management. I use it in a number of my health Boot Camps.

Sources:

Products at http://www.quinoagold.com/products.html

Herrington, D. 2013. Seven Reasons Quinoa is the New Health Food Superstar at http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/