"QUIN-WHAT?!?" Most of us say this as we browse by the grain and dried bean aisle at our local supermarket. Well, let this post be one to help clarify what exactly this superfood is: Quinoa (pronounced "keen-wah") is one of those AMAZING and UBER-HEALTHY health foods that every trainer and doctor wants in their clients' pantry! Why you ask? It regulates your blood sugar, enhances elimination, and keeps your heart healthy. But that's not all it does...quinoa is close to one of the MOST COMPLETE FOODS IN NATURE because it contains amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients! Now that's a superfood!
Most people think quinoa is a grain, such as rice or barely, but that's incorrect (sorry to burst anyone's bubble). Although it cooks and tastes like a grain, making it an EXCELLENT replacement for grains that are difficult to digest or feed candida (a systemic fungal infection), QUINOA IS ACTUALLY A SEED and related to the SPINACH FAMILY...now those are some good genes if you ask me!!
So what does quinoa have to offer? A simple breakdown...
1.) Its a complete protein and contains all 9 essential amino acids that are required by the body as building blocks for muscles.
2.) It contains high levels of the vital nutrient Magnesium, which helps relax your muscles and blood vessels and effects blood pressure.
3.) Its a great source of fiber, which eases elimination and tones your colon.
4.) It contains the minerals Manganese and Copper, which act as antioxidants in your body to get rid of dangerous cancer and disease-causing substances, thus help preventing atherosclerosis, breast cancer, diabetes, and insulin resistance.
6.) Its gluten-free and safe for those with gluten intolerance, people on a celiac diet, and for autistic children who follow the Body Ecology program for autism.
Compared to other grains, quinoa is HIGHER in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc than wheat, barley, or corn!
So what does the stuff taste like? The answer...yummy and refreshing!!! It only takes 10-15 minutes to cook quinoa (yes, that's it!), and comes out light, fluffy, slightly crunchy and naturally subtly flavored. Its so easy to create delicious meals with quinoa! Here are some ideas on way to incorporate the superfood in any meal:
Saute garlic, onions, and spinach with coconut or olive oil and top over cooked quinoa.
Make a cold salad by chopping raw carrots, zucchini, cucumbers, garbanzo beans, tomatoes and fresh mint. Mix with cooked quinoa and 1 tbsp each of olive oil and rice wine vinegar. Sprinkle with pine nuts or sliced almonds.
Add quinoa into your soups with vegetable broth and your favorite vegetables for a nutritious boost.
Sub for oatmeal and top with a scoop of non-fat yogurt, 1 tbsp raw nuts and sliced fresh fruit.
Its so simple to add this superfood to your diet--its ridiculous not to! Enjoy the health benefits of quinoa just like the Incas did thousands of years ago and open up your culinary mind to new recipes this spring! Your body will be happy :)
"QUIN-WHAT?!?" Most of us say this as we browse by the grain and dried bean aisle at our local supermarket. Well, let this post be one to help clarify what exactly this superfood is: Quinoa (pronounced "keen-wah") is one of those AMAZING and UBER-HEALTHY health foods that every trainer and doctor wants in their clients' pantry! Why you ask? It regulates your blood sugar, enhances elimination, and keeps your heart healthy. But that's not all it does...quinoa is close to one of the MOST COMPLETE FOODS IN NATURE because it contains amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients! Now that's a superfood!
Most people think quinoa is a grain, such as rice or barely, but that's incorrect (sorry to burst anyone's bubble). Although it cooks and tastes like a grain, making it an EXCELLENT replacement for grains that are difficult to digest or feed candida (a systemic fungal infection), QUINOA IS ACTUALLY A SEED and related to the SPINACH FAMILY...now those are some good genes if you ask me!!
So what does quinoa have to offer? A simple breakdown...
1.) Its a complete protein and contains all 9 essential amino acids that are required by the body as building blocks for muscles.
2.) It contains high levels of the vital nutrient Magnesium, which helps relax your muscles and blood vessels and effects blood pressure.
3.) Its a great source of fiber, which eases elimination and tones your colon.
6.) Its gluten-free and safe for those with gluten intolerance, people on a celiac diet, and for autistic children who follow the Body Ecology program for autism.
Compared to other grains, quinoa is HIGHER in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc than wheat, barley, or corn!
So what does the stuff taste like? The answer...yummy and refreshing!!! It only takes 10-15 minutes to cook quinoa (yes, that's it!), and comes out light, fluffy, slightly crunchy and naturally subtly flavored. Its so easy to create delicious meals with quinoa! Here are some ideas on way to incorporate the superfood in any meal:
Saute garlic, onions, and spinach with coconut or olive oil and top over cooked quinoa.
Make a cold salad by chopping raw carrots, zucchini, cucumbers, garbanzo beans, tomatoes and fresh mint. Mix with cooked quinoa and 1 tbsp each of olive oil and rice wine vinegar. Sprinkle with pine nuts or sliced almonds.
Add quinoa into your soups with vegetable broth and your favorite vegetables for a nutritious boost.
Sub for oatmeal and top with a scoop of non-fat yogurt, 1 tbsp raw nuts and sliced fresh fruit.
Its so simple to add this superfood to your diet--its ridiculous not to! Enjoy the health benefits of quinoa just like the Incas did thousands of years ago and open up your culinary mind to new recipes this spring! Your body will be happy :)
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Woohoo! Great article!
ReplyDeleteNow that I know it's such a kick-butt food, I'll try it out. At $10/bag I was a little hesitant since I didn't know much about it.
You mentioned before that if you don't rinse it, it could taste bitter. That means rinsing after cooking, right? I don't understand why the boiling doesn't get rid of the bitter taste.
Thanks, Jessica
Thanks for your post Lindsay!
ReplyDeleteGreat question too--You actually want to rinse the quinoa BEFORE cooking it since the seeds have a coating of bitter-tasting chemicals called saponins, which can be removed by rinsing in running water for several minutes. Some boxes say that the quinoa is "pre-rinsed," but I always wash mine again under cold running water just in case.
Let me know how yours turns out!
**TIP: You can also add a tbsp of olive oil and spices to the water when you add the quinoa for extra flavor. Also, if you go to trader joe's, they have a great box of organic quinoa for only $3.99
;)