Reasons Why Quinoa Should Be Your Favourite Food

Amy Taylor March 12, 2015

There’s no doubt about it – quinoa is the world’s most favourite superfood. And the news you see on the internet and hear from the news are no hypes. Quinoa is indeed a nutritional powerhouse. And it does more than give you the daily recommended amount of protein.

So why is quinoa incredibly nutritious?

Quinoa is a grain crop that is known for its edible seeds. It is often used as a substitute for cereals and whole grains. But technically, it is not a grain but a seed. Quinoa has been consumed thousands of years ago, but it was just a few years ago when the buzz about its health benefits and why we should eat more of it has gotten into the mainstream media.

Quinoa is known for being a protein-rich food. Like eggs, this seed contains all types of amino acids, and is particularly rich in lysine, which promotes healthy tissue growth throughout the body. You probably are accustomed to the white quinoa which is very common today. But there are actually three types of this protein-packed seed and they include the red and black quinoa.

More like rice, one cup of cooked quinoa contains 222 calories. But its nutritional content is incredibly appealing. It has 5 grams of fibre, 8 grams of protein, 58% of the RDA of manganese, 30% of the RDA of magnesium, 28% of the RDA of phosphorus, 19% of the RDA of folate, 18% of the RDA of copper, 13% of the RDA of zinc, 9% of the RDA of potassium, over 10% of the RDA of Vitamins B1, B2 and B6. It also contains small amounts of niacin and vitamin E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. And the list does not end there! Quinoa contains thousands of trace nutrients, and some of them are extremely healthy. They include flavonoids – plant-based antioxidants that have been shown to have all sorts of beneficial effects on health. Two types of flavonoids that were found to be present in quinoa in large amounts are quercetin and kaempferol. These important molecules have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer and anti-depressant effects.

Do you have gluten intolerance? Then quinoa is the right grain substitute for you. It is gluten-free and is usually grown organically. In fact, many researchers have been looking at quinoa as a suitable ingredient in a gluten-free diet, and for people who don’t want to give up staples like breads and pasta. More importantly, due to its nutritional content, quinoa can increase the antioxidant and nutrient value of a gluten-free diet.

Another interesting fact about quinoa is that it is low in glycaemic index which makes it a great addition to a diabetic’s diet.

And given the high amount of beneficial nutrients, it makes sense that quinoa could lead to improvements in metabolic health. According to a 2004 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition, using quinoa instead of typical gluten-free breads and pastas was found to significantly reduce blood sugar, insulin and triglyceride levels. Another research, published in 2010 suggests that adding quinoa to a diet high in fructose almost completely inhibited the negative effects of fructose.

With all these facts, quinoa don’t only make a great superfood for diabetics and others who have health concerns. It can also be a great choice for everyone who is looking to promote their health and even lose weight! Its high protein content can both increase metabolism and reduce appetite significantly, whilst its fibre content promotes feelings of fullness, making you eat fewer calories.

Quinoa is a versatile food, which makes it very easy to incorporate into your diet. It has a mild, nutty flavour and a satisfying crunch that kids and adults will both like.

What’s your favourite way of eating quinoa? Feel free to drop a comment below.