This almost unheard of grain used to be known as the gold of the Incas and is a native of South America. However, it is now making a comeback amongst health food enthusiasts due to its protein content and its many health benefits. Quinoa is high in complete protein and contains nine essential amino acids, thus it is very suitable for vegans who wants a more balanced protein intake.
We need the amino acid lysine for tissue growth and tissue repair and Quinoa is an excellent source of this nutrient. Other than that, Quinoa is packed full of many other nutrients which gave it the super grain nickname. Due to its nutrients and high protein content, it is most suitable for vegans, athletes, pregnant women or simply anyone looking to add more healthy food to their diets.
The super grain Quinoa has nutrients like manganese, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus. It may sound weird but this grain tastes great with a mild nutty flavor and is not known to be an allegenic food. However it does contain oxalate so those with an allergy to oxalate will need to avoid eating it. By now, you must be wondering how healthy is this grain and how do you cook it? Here are some more benefits of Quinoa:
Quinoa, which is rich in magnesium is good for your heart health and also great for preventing migraines. Magnesium can help your blood vessels to relax which is good to prevent heart disease and migraines. Migraines are caused by constriction of blood vessels so if you consume Quinoa frequently, it may just reduce your migraine incidence. Quinoa is a wholegrain and it is a known fact and proven through research that by consuming wholegrain like Quinoa for breakfast, you will lower your risk of heart failure.
Quinoa also contains copper and manganese and these two nutrients are very good antioxidants. Antioxidants work to protect you from the harmful effects of free radicals. Not only that, Quinoa as a whole grain also protects women against breast cancer and prevents gall stones in women. With all these great health benefits, it is time you get a package of Quinoa and learn how to cook it!
Now Quinoa is easily found in prepackaged forms at stores and more so at natural food stores. It not only comes in the common yellow but there are now also pink Quinoa, red Quinoa or even black Quinoa, providing a rainbow of Quinoa for you to try out. Despite the difference in colors, it taste about the same with the same rich creamy and nutty flavors and a crunchy texture. To cook it, you just add two parts of water to one part of Quinoa. You cook it just like rice and can even cook it in a rice cooker. There are a lot of Quinoa recipes to be found so go right ahead and start adding Quinoa to your daily meals.
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