Quinoa is one of the most popular Pseudocereals that were discovered by human beings. It is an herbaceous annual flowering plant that is known to produce high-quality edible seeds. It may seem to be a grain but it is actually a nutraceutical seed that we can prepare and consume like a grain.
Quinoa was believed to be sacred and termed as the “mother of all grains” by the Inca Empire around three to four thousand years ago. Though it has been ignored over the centuries, it now tops the list of best superfoods of the world because of the multiple nutrients and minerals present in it.
The plant is primarily found in the Andean region of South America. But because of being wrapped up in tons of vitamins and minerals that have astounding health benefits, it is now cultivated in many countries across the globe such as the United States, Canada, India, Sweden, etc.
It is basically classified into three types, Red Quinoa, White Quinoa, and Black Quinoa.
Let us now move ahead with some miraculous benefits of this superfood, Quinoa.
10 Reasons to Eat More Quinoa
As we have got a brief overview of Quinoa by now, let us discover some of the astonishing and mind-boggling reasons that will make you eat more Quinoa:
#1. A very Rich Source of Essential Nutrients
Quinoa Seeds are highly rich in most of the essential nutrients that are required by the human body for optimal health. It has ample amounts of Omega – 3 Fatty Acids and is Gluten Free which makes it a suitable food for gluten-intolerant people. It is primarily cultivated as an Organic Food Item.
Below is the list of complete nutritional values that are entrenched in 1 cup (185 grams) of this popular superfood:
- Protein: 8 grams
- Manganese: 58% of RDA
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Folate: 19% of RDA
- Magnesium: 30% of RDA
- Phosphorous: 28% of RDA
- Iron: 15% of RDA
- Copper: 18% of RDA
- Potassium: 9% of RDA
- Zinc: 13% of RDA
- Calcium
- Vitamin B3 or Niacin
- Vitamin E
- Carbs: 39 grams
- Fat: 4 grams
- Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin
So, we can say that Quinoa Seeds are power-packed with nutrition which makes them a must-have for all the health-conscious geeks.
#2. A Sufficient Source of Fiber
Quinoa Seeds are known to have huge amounts of fiber. The fiber content of Quinoa Seed is said to be much more than that of other special healthy grains. It is suitable for consumption by people of all age groups and finds its place in the diets of highly health-conscious people.
The rich fiber content of these seeds is responsible for regulating bowel movements and thus it prevents constipation. This may further result in the improved gut and digestive health.
#3. Contains a very High Quantity of Magnesium
Being a rich source of Magnesium, Quinoa Seeds help in dilating the blood vessels which further helps in providing relief from Migraine. Also, they may help in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, thus, making it a suitable diet for people with Type – 2 Diabetes.
The high Magnesium content also helps in producing required amounts of energy, detoxification, temperature regulation, and maintaining bone health. Thus, Quinoa Seeds can be said to be a perfect food item for vegetarians.
#4. Produces Ample Amounts of Energy in Human Body
Quinoa Seeds have a very decent amount of Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin which is responsible for the regulation of metabolism. It helps in suitable energy production by optimally regulating the metabolism and helps in weight loss. Riboflavin also helps in maintaining the perfect amount of energy production within the human cells.
#5. A must have for Gluten-Intolerant People
Due to the unhealthy lifestyle that we follow in our day-to-day life, gluten intolerance has become a very common problem for most of us. Quinoa Seeds resolves this issue and is suitable for consumption by gluten-intolerant people as it is naturally gluten-free.
#6. Have Decent Amounts of Potent Bioactive Substances
Quinoa Seeds contain two of the most important flavonoids, namely Quercetin and Kaempferol, which are essential for maintaining good health. These nutrients are highly anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antidepressant, and anti-cancer.
#7. A Superfood that is very High in Protein
Quinoa Seeds are packed with some of the essential amino acids that makes up protein which helps in muscle gain along with regular exercise. The amino acid which is majorly found in these seeds is Lysine. Quinoa Seeds contain a pretty high and better amount of essential amino acids that cannot be produced on their own inside a human body.
#8. It has some of the Vital Minerals that are Difficult to Get in Regular Diets
Most dietary supplements nowadays lack some of the most important minerals and nutrients that are necessarily required by the human body. Quinoa Seeds being rich in Iron, Magnesium, Potassium Copper and other such nutrients make it a perfect food for consumption. It regulates the flow of blood in humans and boosts immunity.
#9. A Low Glycemic Index Superfood
Nowadays, Diabetes has become a very common problem that prevails in the entire world. The prime causes are improper diet, stress, and improper production of insulin in the blood. People with Type – 2 Diabetes find it quite difficult to select their meals as per the optimal glycemic index so as to maintain their blood sugar level.
Quinoa Seeds being low in glycemic index make a perfect meal alternative for people with diabetes. Along with this, the various nutrients present in these seeds help in boosting the immune system that helps diabetic people to fight multiple other diseases which they are prone to.
#10. A Perfect Food for Weight Loss
Being a very rich source of Protein, Quinoa Seeds regulate metabolism at a rapid rate and give us a feeling of satiation for a longer period of time. It thus reduces the extra food intake which further helps in reducing the weight.
Also, it is a fiber-rich superfood that helps in the removal of extra fat and toxicity from our bodies. Thus, it makes us feel full and reduces the extra appetite. So, if you want to lose weight then including Quinoa Seeds in your diet would be an awesome choice.
How Can We Consume Quinoa?
The best way to consume Quinoa Seeds is in the form of Quinoa Upma. Due to the high nutritional value, it can either be included in breakfast or lunch. Along with Quinoa, It is loaded with many veggies that will boost your health and provide you with ample amounts of energy for the day. Feel free to check out Quinoa’s complete list of recipes.
Side-effects of Quinoa
Despite being highly nutritious, Quinoa is known to have some side effects as well. Below are the things that need to be taken care of if you are willing to include Quinoa Seeds in your diet:
- Bloating is one of the most common side-effects of Quinoa Seeds that is seen among the people who over-consume it.
- Some people face intolerance to Quinoa which results in indigestion, elevated heart rate, inflammation in lungs and certain allergies.
- Quinoa is a very rich source of Calcium and if it is consumed in excess, it may increase the risk of Kidney Stones.
Words from FitWithGreens
As we have seen the humongous health benefits of Quinoa Seeds, we can include them in our Vegetarian Diet. It is a superfood that has tons of nutrients and minerals which make the functioning of our body fully optimal.
Thus, it is certain that Quinoa Seeds are a perfect food item for vegetarians to fulfill the basic requirements of their body along with maintaining the optimal body weight.
Also, you can check out other foods that can be included in the vegetarian diet such as Artichokes and Horse Gram.
