To like quinoa is to love quinoa

           

Here at Pampering4life blog we like to keep you updated on all recent health crazes and super foods so here is the next big thing, quinoa! This healthy ingredient may be masquerading as a grain, but it is actually the seed of the Chenopodium, or Goosefoot plant. So what is all the fuss about this extremely tiny seed? Well we will tell you! Quinoa is gluten free, highly nutritious, and is the only plant-based protein to contain the nine essential amino acids. Amino acids cannot be produced in great enough quantities by the body, so they must come from food. This high amount of proteins makes the seed ideal for vegetarians. This is seed is also a great alternative from gluten-free carbohydrates for the gluten-intolerant and celiacs. Quinoa is also great for those suffering from migraines; it is a source of magnesium, which relaxes blood vessels.

 

Quinoa is also not fattening, which is something I know we are all looking for in a new food. There are only 172 calories per ¼ cup dry  (24 calories from protein and only 12 from sugars, the rest are complex carbohydrates, fiber and healthy fats! Quinoa contains almost twice as much fiber as most other grains. Fiber helps to prevent heart disease by reducing high blood pressure and diabetes. Fiber also lowers cholesterol and glucose levels. Quinoa contains iron and iron can keep your red blood cells healthy and is the bases of hemoglobin formation.

 

Quinoa is high in Riboflavin, which improves energy metabolism within brain and muscle cells and is known to help create proper energy production in cells. It is clear there are countless health benefits of this tiny seed!

 

Here are some tips when it comes to actually eating and cooking quinoa once you decide to introduce it into your diet! Always rinse quinoa. Place quinoa in a strainer, then run cold water over it until the entire soapy residue has been washed away. You can taste the seeds; if they still have a bitter taste, run more cold water over them. Use quinoa flour in your gluten-free baking! Even the leaves of the quinoa plant are edible; they taste similar to spinach. The benefits of quinoa are endless be sure to pick them up in the store today!