With health nuts ditching the glutenous grains in favour of other more gut friendly complex carbohydrates, quinoa has taken centre stage as the go-to alternative. Technically a seed, quinoa is full of nutrition, very easy to prepare, and an enjoyable addition (or centrepiece) to any meal. Check out the healing benefits of quinoa, and see why you should consider it as part of your healthy lifestyle.
Nutritional profile of quinoa
Also known as the “gold of the Incas”, quinoa is a superfood that originated in the Andean region of Ecuador, Bolivia, Columbia, and Peru where it was domesticated for human consumption over 3000 years ago .
Quinoa has plenty of nutritional benefits and fewer drawbacks than the other things it may replace, such as glutenous grains. For example, quinoa is generally considered positive for digestion due to its “good bacteria” and the fact it does not feed pathogenic yeast, unlike its glutenous counterparts.
So what makes quinoa so special nutritionally? Check out the following profile:
A great source of B-vitamins, especially thiamin, riboflavin, folate, B6, and niacin
A quality source of vitamin E
A rich source of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, and selenium
A good source of dietary fiber, with 21% of the RDA in a one cup serving
A great source of complete protein, with 8 grams in a 1 cup serving
A good source of antioxidants including quercetin and kaempferol
The nutritional benefits of quinoa are sure to help you get on the right track to health, without the gut compromising gluten.
Healing action of quinoa
Due to its vitamin and mineral profile, complete protein status, and fibre content, quinoa has various healing benefits to the body, including:
Helps relieve constipation
Helps reduce high blood pressure
Helps reduce risk of type 2 diabetes
Helps increase brain function
Aids in tissue growth and repair
This is great news to be able to consume a “grain-like” food and receive so many benefits while eliminating problematic gluten that wreaks so much havoc on digestive systems.
Try the Health Ranger’s Organic QuinoaHow to use quinoa in your diet
Quinoa in easy to cook and has a wide variety of applications due to its light flavour. Some ways to use quinoa in your meal plans include:
On its own, topped with sautéed vegetables like garlic, onions, sun dried tomatoes, and spinach.
In soups with broth and your choice of vegetables
Be sure to rinse your quinoa then soak for at least 8 hours to remove the phytic acid and reduce oxalates, prior to cooking. This will help optimize digestion.
Enjoy your new meal plans and creations, along with the healing benefits of quinoa!
Derek Henry
Derek Henry, Founder of Healing the Body and the THRIVE Lifestyle Academy, used nutrition, natural remedies, and a holistic lifestyle to naturally unravel 13 chronic disease conditions that conventional or alternative medical professionals couldn't help him resolve. As a result of this one-in-a-million health transformation and the knowledge acquired in the process, he is now happier and healthier than he has ever been and now educates, coaches, and inspires thousands of others to transform their health through a natural and holistic approach. To date, he has helped his THRIVE participants heal over 20 different chronic disease conditions, primarily through healing the digestive system.
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