Quinoa originates from South America. However, this grain has been ignored for numerous centuries. After intense research, it was discovered that it contains high amounts of nutrients. People have started consuming this grain with an aim of benefiting health wise. Quinoa seed is extracted from a chenopodium plant. This nutritious meal is consumed the same way as cereal grains. Quinoa is gaining popularity across the globe because it is easy to grow.
It can withstand different climatic conditions. People found out about this meal in the year 2013 when the United Nations stated it could help fight hunger across the globe. A lot of factors were considered before this statement was made by the United Nations. Quinoa is a gluten free grain. This means that people with allergies and celiac disease can consume this grain without worry of negative reactions.
Different types of Quinoa
There are different types of quinoa grains to choose from. However, white, black and red are the commonly known types of quinoa. You can also access tricolor, a mixture of the three grains. This nutritious grain comes in different forms. It can be in terms of flour and flakes. Therefore, it can be used in baking and cooking. These different types of quinoa contain different nutrients. Nonetheless, all quinoa grains contain nutrients.
It contains healthy fats, minerals, vitamins, fiber and protein, among others. This indicates that quinoa can supply the body with all the necessary nutrients. These nutrients are Zinc, Manganese, Iron, Folate, Vitamin B6, magnesium, Thiamin, Phosphorus, Riboflavin and folate, among other. Regular consumption of this magical grain can boost the amount of nutrients in the body.
Why is Quinoa considered one of the healthiest meals?
People are constantly researching on why quinoa is considered one of the healthiest meals in the world. Well, here are some detailed reasons on why you should consider taking this healthy grain
It contains complete proteins
As we all know, amino acids are compounds used in making protein. Amino acid can be derived from meals or made inside your body. Generally, there are nine amino acids. These amino acids are very important for the wellbeing of a person. These nine amino acids cannot be produced by the body. Some of them are derived from your diet. Any complete protein must have all the nine amino acids. Quinoa is one of the few plant extracts that contain the full amino acids. Most people derive the nine amino acids from animals. This is what makes quinoa stand out from other grains. Quinoa contains high amounts of cysteine, methionine and lysine.
Most of its compounds are beneficial
As earlier stated, quinoa contains a wide variety of compounds. These compounds range from betacyanins, saponins, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Most compounds found in this grain are antioxidants. This means they can fight free radicals which can damage your body cells. These free radicals also speed up the aging process. The levels of antioxidants in the body vary depending on the number of times you consume this grain. Therefore, consume this grain as much as you can to increase the antioxidants levels in the body.
It helps normalize blood sugar levels
Diabetes is one of the killer diseases across the globe. It is caused by uncontrolled sugar levels in the body. Whole grains have been proven in regulating blood sugar levels. Quinoa can greatly help people with type 2 diabetes. This grain regulates blood sugar levels, making this condition manageable. Quinoa can also improve the rate in which our body regulates blood sugar levels in the body. Scientific studies have also revealed that consuming high amounts of grains significantly reduces the po0ssibility of contracting diabetes. In addition to these, this magical grain also contains compounds, capable of lowering sugar levels. This is what makes it more effective.
Quinoa can enhance your metabolic health
High cholesterol level in the body is risky for the health. High metabolic rate makes it easy to shed off some bad cholesterol levels. Quinoa is recommended for people who want to reduce their metabolic rate. You simply need to be consistent with your diet plan. Results can be visible within six weeks from the period you started consuming quinoa. Therefore, consider quinoa to efficiently get rid of bad cholesterol levels within a short period.
It can help fight inflammation
Inflammation is linked to different types of chronic conditions. These conditions range from heart condition, cancer and diabetes. As earlier stated, quinoa contains high amounts of antioxidants. Meals with high amounts of antioxidants can efficiently help fight inflammation. Saponins, one of the compounds found in quinoa has been proven to contain some anti-inflammatory effects.
Does Quinoa contain some Antinutrients?
Quinoa falls under the category of grains. Legumes and grains contain some antinutrients. These antinutrients can also be found in quinoa. However, these antinutrients found in quinoa are well neutralized. Therefore, you shouldn’t worry about them. Here are some of them:
- Saponins- Saponins contains both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It has also been proven capable of reducing bad blood cholesterol if consumed continuously. Saponins can also hinder absorption of some minerals such as iron and zinc. Soaking and scrubbing with water reduces the amounts of saponins.
- Oxalate- Oxalate is capable of binding calcium and result into kidney stone. People who are prone to kidney stones are encouraged to avoid this grain at all cost.
- Phytic acid- phytic acid reduces the possibility of developing kidney stones. It also contains antioxidants effects. Studies have revealed that phytic acid is capable of reducing absorption of some minerals.
Consumption of Quinoa
Anyone can comfortably prepare quinoa without straining. This grain has a fluffy texture and nutty flavor. Therefore, it can be prepared just like rice. You can boil some water. Afterwards, reduce the heat and simmer your quinoa for roughly twenty minutes. Afterwards, fluff them before serving them. It can be served plain or mixed with other dishes. It can be mixing it with vegetables or include it in your breakfast cereals, among others.
It is evident that quinoa contains numerous health benefits. It definitely deserves to be named one of the healthiest meals across the globe.