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)
- High in protein -- its protein balance is similar to milk and has more protein compared to rice, millet or wheat.
- 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.
- The saponins from quinoa are used to promote healing of skin injuries in South America, making it a good antiseptic.
- It's alkaline-forming. Although it is not strongly alkaline-forming, it is comparable to wild rice, amaranth, and sprouted grains.
- It only has 172 calories per ¼ cup dry quinoa.
- 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.
- 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/