You may have heard of it, or possibly you have read about it, and maybe you are not so sure how to pronounce it? Quinoa (pronounced “keen-wa”) – the new grain that has health nuts happy and gluten free gals giddy!
First of all, what is quinoa? Those who have tried it say it is the best thing since sliced bread (haha get it? Because it is considered a grain). A more nutritionist definition tells you that it is a seed and although considered a grain, it is actually a relative of leafy green vegetables (whfoods.com).
Quinoa is considered a new “super food,” like spinach, blueberries and salmon because of all the great nutrients that are packed into the tiny rice- like grain.
Eating this super food kills many birds with one stone. Here’s how:
Quinoa is rich in amino acids (all nine to be exact), which means you can receive the proteins found in meats and eggs.
“Quinoa is also loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber, which is especially good for dieters to keep you fuller longer,” said CBS Philly.
The nutrients packed inside quinoa have also been found to help and prevent health conditions such as migraines and cardiovascular health.
The Mother Nature Network provides a list of the nutritional values that come from quinoa:
Eat one cup of quinoa (a single serving size), and you’ll consume:
- 220 calories (70 percent carbs, 15 percent fat, 15 percent protein)
- 40 grams of carbohydrates (13 percent daily value)
- 8 grams of protein (16 percent of daily value)
- 3.5 grams of fat (5 percent daily value with no saturated fat)
- A glycemic load (blood sugar spike) of only 18 out of 250
- 5 grams of fiber (20 percent of daily value)
- 20 percent of daily value of folate (various forms of Vitamin B)
- 30 percent of magnesium daily value (beneficial for people with migraine headaches); 28 percent daily value of phosphorous; iron (15 percent); copper (18 percent); and manganese (almost 60 percent)
Not only is quinoa good for you, but it tastes good too! And the best part is there are so many different ways to cook it, so you will never get bored. Here are some recipes that Whole Living has provided: Quinoa Recipes. Try them out or invent your own -bon appétit!