Amazing Benefits of Quinoa for Health & Wellness

Quinoa is an interesting form of pseudocereal that is not a traditional cereal or technically a grain.

Quinoa is a highly nutrient-rich food that is gluten-free and a good source of protein. Quinoa benefits include weight loss, detoxification of the body, heart health and enhanced digestive health.

It can be used as many other common grains or ground into a fine powder or flour. It has very low-fat content and can be added to diets around the world as a healthy alternative to various other similar foods.

Types of Quinoa

Although there are around 120 varieties of quinoa, the three most commonly used types are white, red, and black.

White Quinoa: This variety, commonly known as ivory quinoa, is the most widely used and available in stores. It even takes very less time to cook.

Red Quinoa: This variety is most preferred by chefs for making cold salads. Compared to the white one, red quinoa retains its original shape and structure after cooking.

Black Quinoa: This variety retains the original colour even after cooking. It usually takes a very long time to cook. It has a unique earthy and sweet flavour.

Health Benefits of Quinoa

Quinoa is a nutritious food good for health. It provides several health benefits, some of which include:

Good Source of Proteins

The quinoa plant has been highly considered a rich source of protein and essential amino acids like lysine, methionine, and tryptophan. In fact, it is a single source for all of the nine essential amino acids, which is not usually present in other grains.

Weight Loss

High intake of wheat, oat, spaghetti, rice, and oat spaghetti induced more food cravings. While, alternatives, such as quinoa and amaranth, did not induce more eating. This is particularly vital for those who want to control their diet and who want to lose some weight. Consuming it will lower the excess intake of food, thereby boosting a healthier weight.

Gluten-free

Quinoa is gluten-free and therefore can be easily consumed by people who are gluten intolerant. It can be used in bread, pasta, and other food items that usually consist of gluten. It can also be used in place of other gluten-free food products like tapioca, potato, and corn because of its good nutritional value.

Improves Heart Health

Quinoa consists of high-quality proteins and carbohydrates with low-glycemic value, along with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as powerful antioxidants. It is also considered good for lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the future and boosting overall heart health.

Antioxidant Activity

Quinoa has antioxidant properties that help in protecting the liver, heart, kidney, lungs, and pancreas against oxidative stress. When compared with other pseudocereals, like amaranthus, it has much higher antioxidant activity. Some of the antioxidants found in it are phenolics, polyphenols, and anthocyanins.

Improves Digestive Process

Quinoa contains insoluble fibre, which helps to enhance the digestive process and helps in healthier bowel movements. This further helps in minimising the risk of flatulence, bloating, pain, gas and constipation.

Improves Bone Health

The amount of calcium found in quinoa is very similar to that of dairy products, but it has been noted that those who are intolerant of dairy products can consume it. Calcium is essential for the bones, brain, and nervous system.

Good Source of Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the trace elements that is found in quinoa. The dietary intake of magnesium provides benefits, like control of asthma, enhanced bone health, lower risk of osteoporosis, good heart health, and regulation of blood sugar levels.

Q. Is quinoa help in losing weight?

Yes, quinoa can surely help in losing weight. Quinoa is rich in insoluble fibre which keeps one full for a longer period of time and curbs appetite. The high protein and a good amount of fat in quinoa enhance metabolism and keep one energetic also. Quinoa is low in GI as well thereby keeping blood sugar levels stable and further helping in controlling hunger and simultaneous weight loss.

Q. Will it be good to eat quinoa every day?

It is always good to add different kinds of grains to your diet to get benefits from several spectrums of nutrients from different foods. However, quinoa can surely be used to substitute the daily grains like rice and roti as well as other pulses being it a complete protein-rich food as well as the vast number of nutrients quinoa contains.

Q. Is quinoa good for your diet?

Quinoa is rich in protein, good fats, fibre as well as a lot of vitamins and minerals which makes it a great selection of food to be used in any diet.

Take Away

Quinoa is a gluten-free, pseudo-cereal that is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals. It contains all 9 essential amino acids making it a wonderful choice for vegans, vegetarians, and people trying to avoid meat.

Quinoa is also high in B-vitamins that help in the metabolic reactions in the body, converting food into fuel for providing energy. Eating quinoa can also lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, thereby minimising the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, quinoa is also considered to be the best substitute for rice due to its nutrient-dense characteristics and can thus be added to a diet that meets all health goals.