Quinoa has been praised as “the mother of all grains” for thousands of years. With 2013 named the International Year of Quinoa by the United Nations, this superfood isn’t exactly breaking news. But the health benefits of quinoa are still something to talk about!
Did you know?
Quinoa is a whole grain “pseudocereal” that grows in three main types: red, black, and white.
Tweet ThisWhat is a pseudocereal?
A pseudocereal is a plants that produces seeds or fruits that we eat and use as if they were grains. Normal grains – things like wheat and oats – grow on grasses. Pseudocereals do not grow on grasses. They are non-GMO and gluten-free, and have a lot more nutrients than a lot of traditional grains.
Why We Love Quinoa:
There are lots of reasons to love quinoa. It’s so versatile, you can eat quinoa at breakfast, lunch or dinner. It can be added as a substitute for rice or wheat berries when you want a healthier and gluten-free option. These are just a few of our favorite things about quinoa – keep reading to see more!
Quinoa is high in protein
There are several amino acids that humans can’t produce on their own, so we get them from our diet. Quinoa contains all of the essential amino acids, meaning that it is very high in protein. It can replace traditional animal products that have the essential amino acids, like meat and dairy products. With 8 grams per cup, this whole grain is sure to keep you full and energized with plant-based power!
It’s high in essential minerals
Quinoa isn’t just packed with protein, it provides a lot of vital minerals for healthy diets too. Quinoa is very high in magnesium; just one cup has about 30% of the recommended daily amount. Potassium, zinc, and iron are also present in this whole grain.
In addition, quinoa has more folate (a.k.a., folic acid), a B-vitamin that can reduce your risk of developing some cancers and that is vital for pregnant women, than other gluten-free foods made with gluten-free flour or without whole grains, which unlike their gluten-filled counterparts are not fortified with folic acid. Eating quinoa is a great way to ensure you a don’t become folate deficient, a common concern for those following gluten-free diets.
The best part? Quinoa is usually cooked and consumed as a whole food, so it keeps its nutrients better than processed foods.
Quinoa is high in antioxidants
Antioxidants are thought to fight aging and disease. Quinoa is very high in antioxidants and contains more than other pseudocereals like it. These antioxidants can help protect the liver, heart, kidneys, and lungs from stress. Less stress means a healthy body, inside and out!
It regulates blood sugar levels
Quinoa has a low glycemic index. The glycemic index is used to measure how quickly foods raise a person’s blood sugar levels. Eating a lot of foods that have a high index can lead to feelings of hunger and high blood sugar levels, and it can also add to issues with weight gain.
Quinoa can help lower blood sugar because it has a low glycemic index. This is helpful to regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes or heart disease.
Quinoa is gluten-free
This whole grain is naturally gluten-free. And because it’s high in protein, fiber, and other important nutrients, it can help anyone on a gluten-free diet stay strong and healthy. Foods that typically have gluten, like flour, bread, or pasta can be replaced with quinoa, which makes it an excellent substitute for other, less nutritious gluten-free options.
It can help you manage your weight
Quinoa has several elements that can help you lose and maintain your weight. Reducing food intake is easy with quinoa because it’s high in protein, which can help increase metabolism and curb feelings of hunger. In addition, high fiber content helps you to feel full and keep you feeling full longer, so you won’t snack in between meals. Cutting down on snacking can help you to lose weight, and manage it more easily.
Quinoa is easy to add to your diet
The health benefits of quinoa are all great reasons to add more of this grain to your plate – at every meal! – but there’s another reason to eat more quinoa: Tommy’s Superfoods Fiesta Quinoa.
Our Fiesta Quinoa makes it super easy to add quinoa to your diet. It’s lightly seasoned so you don’t have to do the work and is tossed with brown rice, pinto beans, and mango. It’s packed with protein, super tasty and perfect for any meal!
Do you love quinoa? Give our Fiesta Quinoa a try and leave us a comment below to let us know what you think!
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