Quinoa is the everyday name for Chenopodium quinoa of the flowering plant family named Amaranthaceae. It is mainly grown as a grain crop which is mainly grown for its edible seeds. Also, since it is not a grass, this seed is a pseudo-cereal instead of a true cereal. Quinoa seeds are cooked the same way as rice and are used in variety of dishes. It is a grain like crop inferred from South America. It is primarily cropped as a food resource due to its seeds that are starchy and edible and is a type of species of goosefoot. Overall, quinoa is actually a seed, however globally it is referred to as a grain since it is prepared in the same manner. Once quinoa is cooked, the nutritional composition is comparable to other cereals, which renders moderate amount of minerals and dietary fibers. According to quinoa seed market, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations announced 2013 to be the International Year of Quinoa. It is listed in one of the world’s most popular and healthy foods owing to several factors such as high in protein, gluten-free and comprises of all the nine vital amino acids. Quinoa seeds are rich in iron, fiber, phosphorus, calcium, B Vitamins, potassium, antioxidants and vitamin E.
Various Types of Quinoa:
According to the Whole Grains Council, there are almost 120 well-known variants of quinoa available. A few of the most widely known commercialized types are black, white and red quinoa. In stores across the world, white quinoa is the most extensively available. Black quinoa has a sweeter and earthier taste, and red quinoa is mostly used in salads since they are intact in shape even after cooking.
Health benefits of Quinoa seeds:
- Cardiac Health – Quinoa is said to have high amounts of fiber and manganese, which assist in many activities of the cardiovascular system. It has been observed that by consuming quinoa on a regular basis has resulted in lowering bad cholesterol, i.e., LDL and increasing good cholesterol, i.e., HDL.
- High in Proteins – Protein is one of the most crucial elements in order to build strong muscle tissue and giving the body the energy it requires. It comprises of all the key amino acids which are needed to produce proteins along with lean protein in the raw form.
- Helps in digestion – Quinoa seeds contains high fiber which helps in better digestion and it also reduces the prevalence of bouts of constipation.
- Controls Blood sugar – A regular healthy diet consisting of quinoa has clinically proven to lessen free glucose levels and thereby resulting to less sudden variation in blood sugar levels during the days.
- Combats Aging – Quinoa has a powerful antioxidant called manganese which assists in slowing down the aging process since it has the ability to kill the free radicals. Therefore, quinoa is great for people who are conscious about the appearance of the skin.
Lastly, quinoa is known as a super food that has many health benefits to offer. Adding quinoa in a regular diet can help in several ways and enhance internal health system.
Disclaimer: The information given in this write-up is purely for educating the reader. It is not meant to be a substitute for any advice from a medical expert.