Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is rapidly becoming recognized as a super food. NASA is considering quinoa as a possible crop for its “Controlled Ecological Life Support System” for long-duration human occupied spaceflights due to its nutritional value. Quinoa is a species of goosefoot and is a grain like crop that is grown for its edible seed. It is closely related to beetroots, spinach, Swiss chard and tumbleweeds.
The nutritional value of quinoa is outstanding. Its protein content is very high and it is a complete protein. It is the only grain like product that is a complete protein. Quinoa is a good source of dietary fiber, phosphorus, manganese, and tryptophan. It is also high in magnesium and iron. And it is a good source of calcium. Quinoa is gluten free and is easily digestible.
Quinoa is loaded with antioxidant flavonoids which put this seed in the same category as cranberries and ligonberry in its antioxidant benefits.
This little seed has huge anti-inflammatory benefits. Studies have shown that daily quinoa intake reduces inflammation in fat tissue and in the linings of intestines. This is not surprising since the list of anti-inflammatory nutrients in quinoa includes hydroxycinnamic, hydroxybenzoic acids, gamma-tocopherol, arabineans and rhamnogalacturonans.
Since quinoa is a good source of fiber and provides outstanding protein quality it should be great in the fight against diabetes. Fiber and protein are the two dietary essentials for the regulation of blood sugar. Also, inflammation is a key risk factor for diabetes and quinoa has anti-inflammatory properties.
Animal studies have indicated that quinoa has the ability to lower cholesterol and maintain levels of HDL (the good cholesterol). Although studies in humans have not been performed, the expectation is that these results would transfer to humans.
The anti-inflammatory characteristics and antioxidant level indicate that quinoa should help with cancer reduction and prevention. And finally, quinoa should be helpful in decreasing the risk of allergy. Quinoa has low allergy potential unlike most grains.
So how do you add this magnificent food to your diet? It is quite simple. There are many recipes for quinoa on the internet. But if you want to really benefit from this seed you can sprout it. It only takes 2-4 hours immersed in water to make the seed sprout. Sprouting activates its natural enzymes and multiplies its vitamin content. This method also softens the seed so you can add it to salads or soups. Quinoa also tastes great on its own. Just add a bit of olive oil, sea salt and lemon juice and enjoy.
You can purchase quinoa at your local grocery store. And of course it is always best to buy organic quinoa.
Jean Sumner has pursued an interest in wellness her entire life. An avid runner, she is passionate about exercise, eating healthy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Jean was diagnosed with cancer in May, 2009 this only served to fuel the flames of her passions and encouraged her to learn more about wellness. This diagnosis actually led to the beginning of World Wellness Education with a mission of “Teaching the world about wellness — one story at a time.”
As Jean pursued alternative methods of treating cancer she met countless individuals who had great stories to tell regarding how nutrition, spirituality and exercise helped them to overcome their various illnesses. Since these stories were moving, motivating and timely she thought that each of these stories may make a difference in others’ lives. With the knowledge that we learn from stories more quickly than other teaching methods an organization was born in hopes to make a difference in the well-being of every individual on the planet.
Prior to Jean’s involvement with World Wellness Education she was a bank manager. With the significant change that was going on in the banking industry, Jean learned that her staff did much better with change if they took it one step at a time. She has now transferred this learning to the Wellness industry and created small weekly changes that one can make which will lead up to a significant amount of positive change by the end of the year.
This information is not meant to be medical advice. No action or inaction should be taken solely on the contents of this information. Instead, you should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to your health and well-being.