Quinoa is quickly becoming one of the most popular foods used around the world for its health benefits. Quinoa nutrition is quite impressive and you can see why the Incas considered it sacred and referred to it as chisaya mama or "mother of all grains".
The most amazing thing about quinoa is the overall nutrient richness it contains making it a true superfood. Quinoa nutrition is so rich that NASA has stated they would like to grow it on space flights someday!
Quinoa supports a gluten-free diet and contains high amounts of dietary fiber. It also contains high amounts of Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Iron and Zinc. This is just the start though!
Quinoa: The health benefits
In studies the intake of quinoa has been linked to a wide range of health benefits including:
- Anti-inflammatory benefits
- Reduced risk of developing diabetes
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Reduced levels of total cholesterol
- Reduced risk of developing cancer
- A low-allergy potential (which makes it a great addition in the diet of children and toddlers)
Quinoa: The meat-free "complete protein"
Quinoa is amazing in that it is a meat-free “complete protein”. This simply means quinoa contains all 9 amino acids (the building blocks of protein) in roughly the same amounts. Our bodies can’t naturally produce these 9 amino acids so it’s vital that we get them from the food we eat day-to-day. For vegetarians this is great because quinoa is one of the few plant based “complete proteins” available.
Quinoa Nutrition
As you can see quinoa is loaded with vitamins! Each cup of cooked quinoa is only 222 calories yet it contains:
- Manganese 1.2mg (60%DV)
- Magnesium 118mg (29.5%DV)
- Iron 2.8mg (15.6%DV)
- Potassium 318mg (9%DV)
- Protein 8.1g (16%DV)
- Dietary Fiber 5.2g (21%DV)
How To Cook Quinoa
Now that you've read about all the benefits it's time to start cooking. Luckily we've got a quick and easy 4 step guide on how to cook quinoa perfectly every time.
Quinoa Recipes
- How To Cook Quinoa - With its fluffy and delicate texture this sweet and nutty flavored pseudo cereal has become more and more popular over the last few years. It is incredibly healthy, tasty and can be used in all kinds of dishes, sweet and savory.
- Quinoa and Cilantro Salad - A healthy, nutritious and filling salad loaded with roasted vegetables, quinoa and tossed in a homemade cilantro pesto dressing.