My goals is to make you fall in love with superfoods.
This week’s super nutricious, insainely healthy food is quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) a grain crop, grown for its edible seeds. As ancient incas stated, quinoa is “mother of all grains”, and was believed to be sacred.
Nowadays, you can find it in almost every store and you should know that there are three main types: white, red and black.
This whole-grain food is very nutricious and loaded with vitamins and minerals.
This grain contains the plant compounds quercetin and kaempferol. important molecules have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer and anti-depressant effects in studies.
By including quinoa in your diet, you will significantly increase your total intake of these (and other) important nutrients.
It’s very high in fiber, much higher than most grains and perfect for people with gluten intolerance, as is naturally gluten-free.
Is high in protein compared to most plant foods and it contains all the essential amino acids that you need, making it an excellent protein source for vegetarians and vegans.
Has a low glycemic index, around 53, but be aware, as it’s still relatively high in carbs.
Quinoa is very high in minerals, anioxidants and could improve metabolic health.
Some studies show that quinoa can improve metabolic health, by reducing blood sugar, insulin and triglyceride levels.
This superfood is very high in antioxidants, which are substances that neutralize free radicals and are believed to help fight aging and many diseases.
Also, is high in fiber, protein and has a low glycemic index. These properties have all been linked to weight loss and improved health and it is very easy to incorporate into your diet.
It can be ready to eat in as little as 15–20 minutes, as you ca boil it, or let it sit over night in a bowl of water.
The best thing about quinoa is that it’s delicious, versatile and incredibly easy to prepare and you can use it for breakfast bowls, lunches and dinners.
My favourite receipe with this amazing food is either a vegetable soup for lunch or a tasty salad or even a delicious desert using quinoa flakes.
Here’s an example of a healthy super tasty breakfast using quinoa flakes, banana, forest fruits and chia seeds:
This grain is so versatile that you can include it in almost all your meals.
Please let me know, using my contact page if you would like me to include some of my favorite recipes using this superfood.
XO,
Iulia
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