Quinoa (pronounced – it’s KEEN-wah ) is cooked like rice and is gluten free. The chances are if you like eating rice than you will LOVE eating Quinoa. Quinoa is actually a relative of spinach, the part we eat is the seed and it is considered a Super Food but some people still haven’t tried QUINOA yet.
Here are 7 reasons why Quinoa is GOOD TO EAT:
- Quinoa is one of the most protein-rich foods we can eat. It is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids.
- Quinoa contains almost twice as much fiber as most other grains. Fiber is most widely known to relieve constipation. It also helps to prevent heart disease by reducing high blood pressure and diabetes. Fiber lowers cholesterol and glucose levels, may lower your risk of developing hemorrhoids and may help you to lose weight as it takes a longer time to chew than does other foods because it makes you feel fuller for longer and is less “energy dense” which means it has fewer calories for the same volume of food.
- Quinoa contains Iron. Iron helps keep our red blood cells healthy and is the basis of hemoglobin formation. Iron carries oxygen from one cell to another and supplies oxygen to our muscles to aid in their contraction. Iron also increases brain function because the brain takes in about 20% of our blood oxygen. There are many benefits of iron some more of which include neurotransmitter synthesis, regulation of body temperature, aids enzyme activity and energy metabolism.
- Quinoa contains lysine. Lysine is mainly essential for tissue growth and repair.
- Quinoa is rich in magnesium. Magnesium helps to relax blood vessels and thereby to alleviate migraines. Magnesium also may reduce Type 2 diabetes by promoting healthy blood sugar control. Other health benefits of magnesium include transmission of nerve impulses, body temperature regulation, detoxification, energy production, and the formation of healthy bones and teeth.
- Quinoa is high in Riboflavin (B2). B2 improves energy metabolism within brain and muscle cells and is known to help create proper energy production in cells.
- Quinoa has a high content of manganese. Manganese is an antioxidant, which helps to prevent damage of mitochondria during energy production as well as to protect red blood cells and other cells from injury by free radicals.
There are loads of recipes out there but Quinoa can be used for lunches, dinners and even deserts – you name it. But I love keeping it really simple and like to toss in fresh salad or veggies, organic chicken or salmon, tuna with my Quinoa. I truly believe Quinoa has done wonders for my own health and that it’s such a feel good happy super food to eat. That’s why I wanted to share the health benefits of Quinoa with you. I can’t image my life without eating Quinoa that is how much I love eating Quinoa – it makes me feel good {inside out}.
Spa it girl xoxo