10 Health Benefits of Quinoa

Lisa Franchi January 02, 2014

Quinoa is a grain-like crop primarily grown for its edible seeds. Whilst it has been cultivated for a thousand of years, it was not until recently that scientists have begun studying its amazing health benefits.

So what makes quinoa a superfood?

It’s high in fibre. Looking to lose some of that belly fats you gained during the holiday season? Then you may want to consider making quinoa a part of your diet. Here’s the thing – quinoa contains twice as much fibre as other grains. This essential nutrient does not only help you stay lean. Fibre also promotes digestive health, and lower blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels.

It has lysine. Lysine is an essential amino acid necessary for human health. Not enough lysine may cause fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness and other health issues. The problem is that the body doesn’t produce lysine on its own. It has to get it from other sources. Most people get lysine from their diet. And speaking of diet, quinoa is one great source. For fewer calories, you can get good amount of lysine just by eating quinoa.

It has high levels of manganese. Quinoa also contains large amounts of manganese – an antioxidant that plays a crucial role in protecting the mitochondria during energy production. It also helps protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals.

It’s a complete protein. The human body needs 9 types of amino acids for good health. Some foods contain all these amino acids, only a few have them on the right proportions.

It’s fully loaded with vitamins. A single serving of quinoa contains lots of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, potassium and antioxidants that all play a major role in promoting good health. It also has quercetin – a power antioxidant which is commonly found in apples.

It has iron. This nutrient aids the red blood cells to produce haemoglobin. It also boosts oxygen flow to the muscles to aid in their contraction. Furthermore, iron is necessary for brain function as it helps deliver sufficient levels of oxygen.

It promotes normal blood sugar levels. Quinoa has a low glycemic index (GI), which makes it a good dietary addition to those having problems controlling their blood sugar levels. Being a complex carbohydrate, quinoa keeps you satiated for longer hours, lowering your risk of weight gain.

It boosts heart health. This super grain is a good source of magnesium – a mineral necessary for metabolism, cardiovascular function, and blood vessel function.

It helps alleviate migraine. If you suffer from frequent headaches, you may benefit from consuming quinoa more often. It’s because it’s high in riboflavin (vitamin B2) which promotes blood vessel expansion in the brain, allowing oxygen to circulate properly, thus reducing the risk of migraine.

It’s gluten-free! Quinoa is a great grain option for people suffering from gluten intolerance. Quinoa is a great alternative to wheat in making pasta, oatmeal and baking flour.

Quinoa is a very versatile food. You can grind, bake, boil, steam, and even fry quinoa. You can add vegetables and fruits of your choice, even some meat, to make your quinoa dish more delicious!