Quinoa: Mother of all grains

This pseudo-cereal is rich in protein, fiber, and various minerals and vitamins.

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Famously known as the ‘mother of all grains’, Quinoa has been cultivated for five thousand years in South America and has been a staple in the region because of its nutritional and easy to prepare properties. It has slowly globalised and is now considered to be one of the best superfoods to be consumed by the health conscious.

Quinoa is a pseudo-cereal that is rich in protein, fiber, and various minerals and vitamins. Although quinoa acts as a substitute for whole grains, it is actually a seed from a plant called goosefoot. When cooked, quinoa is soft and fluffy in texture, with a slightly nutty taste. It can be turned into flakes, flour, and food like bread and pasta. The unusual composition and exceptional balance of protein and fat along with minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids make it a highly healthy yet wholesome food. Here are a few reasons why you must add quinoa to your diet.

Naturally gluten-free

If you fall under the spectrum of gluten sensitivity, celiac disease or gluten intolerance, quinoa is the best alternative to a gluten-free diet as it can dramatically increase the nutrient and antioxidant value of your diet. It can be used as a substitute for other gluten-free food items like potato, tapioca, and corn. It also is nutritionally better than rice since it fulfills the required intake of protein, calcium, iron and fiber making the diet more balanced, thereby meeting the daily dietary requirements.

A rich source of protein

Quinoa is one of the only few plant foods that are completely protein-based, which contains all nine essential amino acids the body cannot synthesise on its own. It is a source of essential amino acids like lysine, methionine and tryptophan, and has more protein than rice, corn, barley and oats. Having protein on your plate is key to proper nutrition and maintaining blood, skin, muscle, and bone health.

Loaded with minerals

Many people do not have enough essential nutrients in their intake. Quinoa has a rich quantity of minerals, particularly magnesium and iron. Magnesium helps relax blood vessels and helps in reducing type 2 diabetes, while promoting healthy blood sugar levels, and keeping the body healthy, free of headaches, muscle cramps and insomnia. Iron is required for the proper functioning of our red blood cells, higher and healthier muscle metabolism and high brain functionality. It is the perfect food for people suffering from iron deficiencies.

High in plant compounds

Quinoa contains large amounts of flavonoids. Flavonoids are a particular kind of antioxidant that fight to prevent diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and even cancer. Two flavonoids can be found in large amounts in quinoa and these have shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antidepressant properties which help keep oneself healthy and balanced.

Improves skin health

Quinoa contains lysine, which is a key ingredient for synthesising collagen and elastin. It helps repair damaged skin and counterbalances the oxidant effect from the sun and pollution exposure. It also helps in reducing brown spots as the vitamin B found in quinoa reduces the dark melanin deposits that lead to age spots and other pigmentrelated conditions.