Have you heard of quinoa health benefits before? It’s a seed like tiny rice that looks a lot like barley but is much less oily and full of nutrients. Many people are discovering the many quinoa health benefits that they can get from eating this delicious grain. If you’re not familiar with quinoa, continue reading. I’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Protein and Gluten-Free
Let’s go over quinoa health benefits one by one. First of all, as a grain, quinoa is a complete protein – it contains all eight amino acids required by your body to be strong and healthy. The essential amino acids found in quinoa are cysteine, threonine, and methionine. These amino acids make up the major components of DNA, the building blocks of all life on the planet. In addition, because it is rich in cysteine, quinoa is an excellent source of methionine, an essential amino acid vital for producing the proteins building up your cells and critical for metabolizing cholesterol and fat. So, not only is quinoa a complete protein source, but it contains all of the essential amino acids necessary to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and build strong bones and muscles.
The other thing that you might want to know is that quinoa is also gluten-free. This means that you can enjoy this white rice without worrying about how it will affect your current gluten-free diet. So instead of avoiding foods that may cause you to break out, you could eat quinoa rather and find out for yourself how it benefits your health.
Iron and zinc
Another quinoa health benefits is high in iron and zinc. One-third of its total calories are made up of these nutrients. So by eating several servings of this grain per day, you can get more energy, stronger bones, stronger muscles, and more nutrients that your body needs to remain healthy. There’s even evidence that quinoa contains some “healing” power. That is why whole-grain bread is often recommended as a healthy alternative to regular white bread.
Calcium
Last but not least, quinoa can also be a rich source of calcium. Like many types of grain, quinoa contains an astounding amount of calcium – more than you’ll find in any one serving of dairy products. This is good news, as studies have shown that women who ate foods with higher amounts of calcium were less likely to develop osteoporosis.
Satiety
Another one of quinoa health benefits is satiety, which is defined as having fewer calories than you would get from a serving of food. For example, instead of eating a chicken dinner, you could eat quinoa rather, which would be a healthier choice. You can also eat quinoa with a protein-rich pasta dish or side dish like lasagna. Since quinoa is high in fiber, you will feel full for a more extended time. This helps prevent cravings, which allows you to maintain your weight loss.
Fatty acids
Finally, quinoa offers you plenty of plant-based fatty acids. These include omega-3 fatty acids that are proven to fight off fat-causing diseases, such as heart disease. Another beneficial acid in quinoa is stearic acid, an essential fatty acid lacking in most people. In addition, quinoa has fewer calories than an equal portion of red meat, making it the healthiest food for those trying to reduce their calorie intake.
Is it OK to eat quinoa every day?
Eating quinoa every day is not harmful to your health, but be sure to include other grains into your diet. That’s a great question. Quinoa is a Pseudocereal, not a cereal seed. Quinoa health benefits contains all the essential amino acids humans need to be eaten every day indefinitely with no adverse effects. The only caveat I have about eating quinoa daily is if you are allergic to it or have an intolerance because that would cause stomach upset and intestinal inflammation.
But if you are healthy and have no allergies or sensitivities to it, then, by all means, go ahead! We’re always looking for ways to incorporate more superfoods into our diet-and quinoa falls into that category.
Conclusion
Of course, all of this rich nutrient buildup comes from the way quinoa is prepared. You need to use excellent quinoa to get the vitamins and other nutrients you need. If you want to increase the nutrient value of your meals, cook quinoa instead of grains like brown rice and other grains. Or, consider quinoa as a delicious and flavorful alternative to traditional flour or pasta. Whatever way you choose to prepare quinoa, you’re sure to benefit from this unique grain.
