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:
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.