Quinoa's Healthy Contents
- Complete protein. Quinoa contains all 9 essential amino acids that are required by the body as building blocks for muscles.
- Magnesium helps relax your muscles and blood vessels and effects blood pressure. Quinoa contains high levels of this vital nutrient.
- Fiber. Quinoa is a wonderful way to ensure that you consume valuable fiber that eases elimination and tones your colon.
- Manganese and copper. Quinoa is a good source of these minerals that act as antioxidants in your body to get rid of dangerous cancer and disease-causing substances.
Quinoa has garnered attention for a variety of reasons. It is high in a variety of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin E, and several B vitamins. It is high in fiber and linoleic acid and low in sodium. Quinoa also contains albumin, a form of protein found in egg white and plant and animal tissues.
The protein in Quinoa is unparalleled in the plant kingdom and a strong contender to members of the animal kingdom as well. It's content ranges from 12-18%. Quinoa rivals the protein content of meat and because it contains abundant levels of all the 8 amino acids our bodies need in an almost perfect balance, Quinoa can be termed a "complete protein".
It's a high quality protein source, with a complete balance of all of the essential amino acids. Particularly of note, quinoa contains the amino acids lysine, cystine, and methionine, all of which are typically lacking in grains.
Quinoa is a whole grain, and as such, may provide health benefits which research has suggested a diet rich in whole grains may offer, like a lowered risk of heart disease, childhood asthma, and type 2 diabetes. Quinoa is also a good source of fiber, and fiber from whole grains has been linked to a reduction in the risk of gallstones and breast cancer among women. Whole grains also contain a whole host of nutrients, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.
Another possible benefit of quinoa comes from its rich supply of magnesium and riboflavin. Magnesium, a mineral which helps to relax blood vessels, and riboflavin have been linked to the reduction of migraine headaches.
Quinoa is extremely versatile. It can be substituted for most grains in any dish, is quick cooking, easily digested, and is not heavy or sticky. It's also perfectly suited for those with special health conditions. For those who are vegan or vegetarian, it is an excellent, amino acid-rich source of protein. For seniors, or those concerned about low iron levels, quinoa is an excellent source of iron. It's also a great choice for diabetics, as it ranks low on the glycemic index.
More to come!
XOXO
Marysinn
